Tunis — Heavy rains driven by an active storm system over the central Mediterranean have caused widespread flooding across northern and eastern Tunisia, leading to major disruptions in transport, property damage, and emergency response operations.
Across Greater Tunis, as well as the coastal governorates of Sousse, Monastir, Nabeul and Bizerte, roads and low-lying areas were inundated with water after intense rainfall overnight. Flash flooding quickly overwhelmed drainage systems, cutting off some neighborhoods and complicating travel throughout the region.
Local municipal services and civil protection teams were mobilized overnight to assist residents, pump out water, and respond to emergency calls as runoff from saturated ground and urban surfaces poured into streets and homes.
Human Impact
- Multiple areas reported significant flooding and property inundation, especially in urban and coastal districts struggling to absorb sudden heavy rainfall.
- Greater Tunis and coastal towns in Sousse, Monastir, Nabeul and Bizerte were among the hardest hit as water levels rose rapidly and drainage networks were overwhelmed.
What’s Driving the Floods
Tunisia’s geography and urban expansion make it vulnerable to flash floods when intense rainfall occurs, especially during active Mediterranean weather systems. In winter, heavy downpours can produce floods that flow into rivers and seasonal wadis, quickly overtopping banks and flowing through populated areas.
Authorities and forecasters have repeatedly warned that existing drainage infrastructure and urban planning challenges can exacerbate flooding impacts, particularly in rapidly developing metropolitan areas and coastal towns.
Official Response and Safety Advice
- Tunisia’s Civil Protection and local government units have urged residents to avoid driving through flooded roads, stay away from riverbeds and low-lying crossings, and follow instructions from emergency services.
- Citizens are reminded that even shallow moving water can be dangerous, and that torrential rain can persist in bursts, leading to further flash flood risk.
