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Record January Rains Trigger Deadly Floods in Tunisia, Shutting Schools Across 15 Provinces

Years of drought left infrastructure vulnerable, magnifying the impact, officials say.

Image
People and vehicles attempt to travel through flooded streets as torrential rains hit the country, in Tunis, Tunisia January 20, 2026. REUTERS/Jihed Abidellaoui
A person rides a motorcycle through a flooded street as torrential rains hit the country, in Tunis, Tunisia January 20, 2026. REUTERS/Jihed Abidellaoui
A bus drives through through flood waters, in La Goulette near the capital Tunis, on Januray 20, 2026. Flooding across Tunisia has killed three people, authorities said January 20, with one official reporting a "critical" situation as parts of the North African country experienced their heaviest rainfall in more than 70 years.

Overview

  • Authorities confirmed four deaths in Moknine in Monastir governorate as floodwaters swept through low-lying areas.
  • Meteorologists reported the heaviest January rainfall in parts of the country since 1950, including 206 mm measured in Sidi Bou Said.
  • Classes were suspended on Wednesday in public and private institutions across 15 of Tunisia’s 24 governorates, with court sessions halted in some areas.
  • The army joined civil protection teams in rescue and pumping operations as cars were submerged and several neighborhoods were cut off.
  • President Kais Saied visited Moknine, while officials highlighted aging drainage networks and prolonged drought as key factors worsening urban flooding.