18 Oct 2018 | 12:30 PM UTC
Tunisia: Severe flooding in the northeast Oct. 17-18
Northeastern governorates in Tunisia affected by severe flooding on October 17; transportation disruptions
Event
Heavy rain and severe flooding affected northeastern governorates of Tunisia - including Tunis, Beja, Ben Arous, Gafsa, Jendouba, Kasserine, Kairouan, Kef, Nabeul, Silana, Sidi Bouzid, Sousse, Tozeur, and Zaghouan - on Wednesday, October 17, leaving five people dead and two missing as of October 18.
Numerous roads are reportedly blocked as of October 18 due to flooding and public transportation in Tunis has been significantly affected. Some incoming flights arriving at Tunis-Carthage International Airport (TUN) were redirected to Djerba-Zarzis International Airport (DJE). Further transportation disruptions are likely to persist throughout the day.
Advice
Individuals in affected regions are advised to keep abreast of weather alerts, confirm travel reservations, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities (e.g. evacuation orders). Remember that walking or driving through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult.
