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4h ago

Four Dead as Tunisia Endures Heaviest January Rains in More Than 70 Years

Authorities ordered school and university closures across much of the country following the deluge.

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People and vehicles attempt to travel through flooded streets as torrential rains hit the country, in Tunis, Tunisia January 20, 2026. REUTERS/Jihed Abidellaoui
A person rides a motorcycle through a flooded street as torrential rains hit the country, in Tunis, Tunisia January 20, 2026. REUTERS/Jihed Abidellaoui
A bus drives through through flood waters, in La Goulette near the capital Tunis, on Januray 20, 2026. Flooding across Tunisia has killed three people, authorities said January 20, with one official reporting a "critical" situation as parts of the North African country experienced their heaviest rainfall in more than 70 years.

Overview

  • Civil defence said all four fatalities occurred in Moknine in the Monastir governorate during flooding.
  • The National Institute of Meteorology reported exceptional January totals, with Monastir, Nabeul and greater Tunis hardest hit and some areas seeing levels not recorded since 1950.
  • Sidi Bou Said on the outskirts of Tunis measured 206mm of rain since Monday evening, according to the meteorological institute.
  • A Defence Ministry source said the army is taking part in rescue operations as civil protection describes a critical situation with cars submerged and low-lying areas cut off.
  • Authorities suspended classes on Wednesday in 15 of 24 governorates, and courts and transport services were disrupted in several districts.