Seven killed as powerful storm brings heavy rain and snow to Algeria and Tunisia

At least 5 people have been killed as a powerful Mediterranean storm hit northern Algeria on January 24 and 25, bringing heavy rain and snow, the country's civil protection agency reported Saturday, January 26, 2019. The same weather system affected neighboring Tunisia, claiming lives of at least 2 people.

The victims were swept away by floodwaters in Algerian Annaba, El Tarf, Tizi Ouzou and Tipaza, the agency said, adding it performed salvage operation in more than 17 areas.

Around 100 people have been rescued, AFP reports.

NASA/NOAA Suomi NPP/VIIRS satellite image acquired January 24, 2019

Snow hit several areas of the country and suspended a number of flights.

Activities at El Hadjar Complex, a large steel plant in northern Algeria, were suspended overnight Friday after the water started seeping into the plant around 23:00 LT, January 24.

The civil protection service said the flooding occurred after several rivers burst their banks.

The storm also affected neighboring Tunisia, bringing heavy rain and snow over the past couple of days. At least 2 people have been killed there. One person was swept away by floodwaters while another died of hypothermia.

Police reports mention more than 100 people ended up stuck in their vehicles and had to be rescued.

Featured image: Snow cleaning operations in Algeria on January 24, 2019. Credit: Abdelrahman