Deadly flash floods paralyze north Algeria, more than 800 homes inundated

Heavy rains from September 7 to 8, 2020, triggered flash floods in Algeria's northern provinces, killing at least one person and leaving more than 800 homes inundated. A number of road accidents were also reported, causing major traffic disruption in at least five municipalities.

One person, who was believed to be a child, died after being swept away by floodwaters in Mila, according to the Algeria Civil Protection.

The flooding came as torrential rains hit the north, with Baraki recording 63 mm (2.5 inches) of rain in a 24-hour period.

Elsewhere, rescue teams saved three people from a stranded vehicle in an inundated tunnel in Oum El Bouaghi.

The civil protection also rescued several others trapped in floodwaters in Batna. Around 800 houses were affected by flooding in Boumerdes and 40 in Khenchela.

In the capital Algiers, numerous road accidents were reported, paralyzing traffic across the city. Local media said torrential rains led to "congestion across Algiers' main roads network." 

Tunnels, residential buildings, and shops were flooded, "restricting people's movement around the city."

Severe traffic disruption impacted at least five municipalities, including Sidi M'Hamed where two buildings partially collapsed.

Meanwhile, activists blamed authorities for not making necessary plans ahead of autumn rains. Local authorities, on the other hand, said they had warned of "severe weather disturbances" this week.

Featured image credit: السلطة للشعب Dz