Summary:

On Monday 23 September 2024, heavy rains along Tunisia’s coast resulted in damage from flooding in the governorates of Sousse, Mahdia, Monastir and Nabeul. 

The rainfall caused considerable damage as several houses were flooded, vehicles swept away, and traffic completely blocked by floodwaters in some locations. 

The Governor of Sousse suspended all classes at schools to ensure student safety. 

The civil protection services were mobilized but faced difficulty with the limits of infrastructure in the face of rapidly rising flood waters. 

The heavy rains also caused a tourist bus to overturn on the autoroute near Sousse, causing thirteen injuries. 

Outlook: 

The latest rainfall damage points to poor infrastructure of certain low-elevation areas which are most vulnerable to floods.  

Observers also pointed to the impact of trash pollution blocking sewers and drains, which causes standing water after even short periods of rain. Similar events are likely to re-occur during autumn and winter periods and additional vulnerable areas are likely to be impacted. 

Despite the heavy rains, dams are still at critically low levels across Tunisia.  

Extra caution is required during periods of heavy rain as floods can form quickly. Standing water can also create sanitation issues and downed wires can create a risk of electrocution. 

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