Heavy rains flooded Tunisia and disrupted people's lives

Tunis, Tunisia – Heavy rains on Thursday brought various areas of the Tunisian capital to a standstill and caused flooding of streets and homes. These downpours, which trapped people in their cars and disrupted electricity and internet services, occurred as the greater Tunis area, with a population of nearly three million, has faced recurrent flooding in recent years.

The Difficult Experience of the People of Tunisia

The rainfall on Thursday came just a few months after severe rains in January that caused widespread damage and claimed several lives. Despite weather warnings being issued, the decision to suspend classes in Tunisia was announced only minutes before implementation, leading to a rush of parents towards schools to collect their children.

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Videos and images shared online show streets submerged in water, stranded vehicles, and power lines on fire. Residents also reported power and internet outages and water entering their homes.

Lack of Preparedness and Shared Responsibility

Fatima, a 35-year-old resident of Tunis, said that conditions deteriorated rapidly and she faced many difficulties reaching home. She explained: "Around 4 PM, the road became completely unrecognizable. The tunnel leading to Bab Saadoun was completely closed due to the rain."

She also pointed out the dire traffic situation, saying: "Many people were stuck by the roadside for hours waiting for public transport that never came. I saw three cars that were filled with water and broke down, and people were carrying their children on their shoulders."

This situation keeps repeating, and Fatima stated: "Every season, the same thing happens. Roads get blocked, and traffic comes to a complete halt. All the sewage drains get filled with garbage."

The National Institute of Meteorology in Tunisia had warned that thunderstorms and heavy rains were expected on Thursday, which could lead to flooding, traffic disruptions, and disturbances in sewage networks.

Fatima also emphasized the lack of public transport and the recurrence of these floods, saying: "This problem forces people to find their own solutions. That’s why most people are trying to buy a car, as life without one has become difficult with these recurring issues."

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