Torrential rainfall and flooding have disrupted life in Tunisia’s capital, Tunis, forcing the suspension of afternoon classes across public and private schools, training centres and universities.
The Tunis Governorate announced the closure after warnings from the National Institute of Meteorology and recommendations from the regional disaster-prevention committee.
Between 30 and 50 millimetres of rain were forecast to fall across Greater Tunis within a short period, overwhelming drainage systems in several neighbourhoods.
Floodwater quickly covered roads and pavements, forcing residents to wade through submerged streets as cars and buses struggled to navigate the affected areas. Several vehicles were stranded, while one became trapped beneath a tunnel.
In the historic medina, residents sought shelter inside shops and beneath awnings as torrents of water swept through the narrow streets.
The storm also disrupted electricity and internet services, while floodwater entered some homes. Videos shared on social media appeared to show power lines catching fire during the downpour.
The heavy rainfall follows a summer marked by prolonged heatwaves and comes amid a pattern of repeated flooding across Tunisia.
In January, at least five people died after the country recorded its heaviest rainfall in more than seven decades.
The latest flooding has renewed concerns about the ability of Tunis’ drainage and other infrastructure to cope with increasingly intense rainfall, particularly after prolonged periods of extreme heat.
