Tunisia is grappling with widespread damage and loss of life following torrential rainfall – the heaviest in over 70 years in some regions – that triggered severe flooding across the country. At least four people have been confirmed dead, with fears the toll could rise as rescue operations continue and the full extent of the devastation becomes clear.
The flooding, which began earlier this week, has disrupted daily life in multiple governorates, submerging cars and overwhelming emergency services. Civil protection teams report that several areas are cut off, particularly in low-lying neighbourhoods. The hardest-hit regions include Monastir, Nabeul, and the greater Tunis area, according to the National Institute of Meteorology (INM).
The town of Moknine, in the Monastir governorate, was particularly affected, with all four confirmed fatalities occurring there on Tuesday , according to civil defence spokesperson Khalil Mechri. The INM reports that some regions have experienced rainfall levels not seen since .
The tourist village of Sidi Bou Said, perched on a hill overlooking Carthage, recorded 206mm (8.1 inches) of rain since , highlighting the intensity of the downpour. The situation has been described as “critical” in some regions by Mahrez Ghannouchi, an official at the INM.
Beyond the immediate loss of life, the floods are causing significant structural damage. Reports indicate numerous residential buildings have collapsed, and farms have been destroyed, leaving residents and businesses struggling to cope. The damage extends to infrastructure, with concerns growing about the stability of buildings in several towns and cities.
In Sfax, approximately 700 buildings, primarily located in the historic medina, are considered to be at risk of collapse. The situation is complicated by challenges in relocating residents and demolishing unsafe structures. Similar concerns are emerging in other areas, with authorities facing a logistical and financial challenge in addressing the widespread damage.
The Tunisian army has been deployed to assist with rescue operations, joining civil protection teams in their efforts to reach those stranded by the floodwaters. Authorities have also taken steps to close schools in Tunis, Nabeul, Sousse, and Beja, and have banned heavy vehicles in affected areas as a safety precaution.
The scale of the disaster is prompting questions about urban planning and infrastructure resilience in the face of increasingly extreme weather events. Experts are suggesting measures such as restricting development in vulnerable areas and improving drainage systems to mitigate the impact of future floods. The situation in Sidi Bou Said, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its distinctive blue-and-white architecture, is particularly concerning, with landslides threatening the village’s unique character.
The current crisis comes against a backdrop of broader economic and political challenges in Tunisia. The country has been grappling with public debt and underinvestment in public services, particularly in its interior regions. , the collapse of a school wall in Mezzouna, resulting in the deaths of three students, sparked protests over neglect and underinvestment in the nation’s hinterland, highlighting existing tensions and frustrations.
The recent floods are likely to exacerbate these challenges, placing further strain on already limited resources and potentially hindering efforts to address long-standing socio-economic inequalities. The disaster also raises concerns about the impact of climate change and urbanization on Tunisia’s vulnerability to extreme weather events. The need for a comprehensive protection plan, addressing both immediate relief efforts and long-term resilience measures, is becoming increasingly urgent.
While the immediate focus remains on rescue and relief efforts, the Tunisian government will likely face mounting pressure to address the underlying factors contributing to the country’s vulnerability to natural disasters. The scale of the damage and the potential for further loss of life underscore the importance of investing in infrastructure, improving urban planning, and addressing the broader socio-economic challenges facing the nation.
