At least 5 dead in Tunisia after the heaviest rain in 70 years

Heavy rainfall affecting large parts of Tunisia since January 19 has caused severe flooding across several northern and eastern governorates. The event followed a prolonged period of unstable weather associated with a slow-moving Mediterranean low, which brought continuous rain, strong winds, and coastal storms.

According to the National Institute of Meteorology (INM), this was the heaviest January rainfall recorded in parts of the country in more than 70 years. The impact was intensified by outdated and poorly maintained urban drainage infrastructure, leading to rapid surface runoff and inundation in low-lying areas. Local flooding was also reported from neighboring regions of northeastern Algeria.

Floodwaters swept through the governorates of Monastir, Sousse, Beja, Nabeul, and Tunis. Around 230 mm (9 inches) of rainfall occurred through 24 hours between January 19 and 20 at the Monastir airport, while 144 mm (5.66 inches) was recorded in the city, according to the Tunisian weather service.

At least four people were reported dead after their vehicle was swept away by flooding in Moknine in Monastir on Tuesday. Meanwhile, another fatality was reported in Haouria in Nabeul on Wednesday. One fisherman was rescued in Teboulba, south of Monastir, while four others remained missing.

Khalil Meshri, head of operations and follow-up at Tunisia’s Civil Protection Department, said civil defense teams responded to 106 calls for assistance by 05:00 local time on Tuesday. These included checking flooded roadways and removing vehicles trapped by rising water. Meshri said responders evacuated 15 people and helped about 300 others cross flooded valleys and waterlogged areas.

Authorities issued a red alert, closing all schools and courts in over eight provinces, as roads became impassable due to continued rain through Tuesday. Schools in some areas, including Monastir and Manouba, are scheduled to resume by Friday, January 23, while a few will open over the weekend as the weather continues to improve.

Tunisian President Kais Saied instructed the military to join rescue operations nationwide, as emergency services worked to reduce the risk of additional casualties and to restore basic mobility in affected regions.

The floods follow multiple consecutive years of drought and declining water reserves across Tunisia. The country has been affected by widespread water scarcity since 2018, leading to low reservoir levels and restrictions on agricultural and household water use.

References:

¹ Fourth fatality reported in torrential rain in Moknine – TAP – January 20, 2026

² Four fishermen missing off Teboulba: Search efforts underway – TAP – January 21, 2026

³ Body of man swept away by floodwaters pulled out in Haouaria – The New Arab – January 21, 2026

Rishav Kothari

I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.

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