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4h ago

Record January Deluge in Tunisia Kills Four, Shuts Schools Across Much of the Country

Aging drainage coupled with prolonged drought magnified flooding from rains not seen since 1950.

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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 protection confirmed four fatalities in Moknine, Monastir, including people swept away by floodwaters and a woman who drowned at home.
  • The National Institute of Meteorology reported exceptional January totals, with 206 millimetres recorded at Sidi Bou Said and Monastir, Nabeul and Greater Tunis hardest hit.
  • Authorities suspended classes on Wednesday in public and private schools and universities across 15 of Tunisia’s 24 governorates, with some courts and transport also disrupted.
  • The army joined rescue operations as emergency teams worked to reach cut-off low-lying neighborhoods, clear roads and pump water.
  • President Kais Saied visited Moknine, and coverage highlighted poorly maintained stormwater networks and a seven-year drought as factors worsening the floods’ impact.