Full Breakdown
Heavy Rain Floods Tunis Capital, Trapping Motorists and Disrupting Services
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Flooding in Tunis on Thursday
Heavy rain on Thursday inundated streets in the Greater Tunis region, flooding roads, homes, and a tunnel leading to Bab Saadoun. The deluge stranded motorists for hours, halted public transport, and caused power and internet outages. Residents reported water entering dwellings and visible damage to power lines.
Recent Flood History
The capital has experienced repeated flooding in recent years. Earlier in the year, severe rains in January caused widespread disruption, fatalities, and extensive damage across Tunisia. The National Institute of Meteorology had issued warnings of locally heavy thunderstorms capable of overwhelming drainage networks and prompting power cuts.
Government Response
Tunisia’s government announced that 29 flood-protection projects are under way nationwide. Officials have previously called for accelerated cleaning of drainage channels and enhanced flood-protection work during a meeting in August. The meteorological agency’s forecast warned that rain would continue through the weekend, overlapping with a planned national march in Tunis.
Public Criticism
Local residents blamed authorities for inadequate preventive measures. She also noted that waste dumping by citizens blocks drainage channels, contributing to the problem. Fatma, a 35-year-old employee, described the lack of reliable public transport and recurring floods as forcing many to consider purchasing a car, arguing that “the state has no vision.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “Tunisia has become used to these disasters. Every year, we end up flooded even when there is little rain,” — Intissar, 33, from the Lafayette area of Tunis