Algeria, May 27, 2023 - Devastating flash floods have resulted in the loss of at least two lives and forced numerous rescue operations and evacuations across nine provinces of Algeria since May 24, 2023. Civil Protection teams have been actively engaged in responding to the crisis, working tirelessly to save lives and mitigate further damage caused by the severe flooding.

The provinces affected by the flash floods include Algiers, Blida, Tébessa, Oum El Bouaghi, Tipaza, Boumerdes, El Tarf, Batna, and Guelma. These regions have witnessed the wrath of the floods, with houses being damaged or destroyed, vehicles swept away from roads, and transportation severely disrupted.

Tragedy struck in Guelma Province when a young individual lost their life in floodwaters within the municipality of Bou Hachana. Additionally, the Civil Protection team successfully rescued over 30 people who were trapped by floodwaters in the district of Héliopolis.

Further rescue operations were carried out in Basbas, El Tarf, where fifteen people were saved after becoming stranded in agricultural fields due to the flooding. In Lazrou Municipality, Batna Province, several individuals were rescued when their vehicles were marooned amidst the rising floodwaters.

The province of Tipaza faced some of the most severe consequences of the flooding. Roads, vehicles, and buildings were either destroyed or damaged, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Unfortunately, a young person lost their life after a house wall collapsed due to the force of the floodwaters.

The heavy rainfall that triggered the flash floods in Algeria can be traced back to earlier storms on May 12, 2023, not only affecting Algeria but also neighboring Tunisia. In the Kasserine Governorate of Tunisia, one person was swept away and tragically lost their life in the floodwaters.

While Algeria and Tunisia endured the devastating effects of the recent storms, Spain, located on the opposite side of the Mediterranean Sea, also suffered from severe weather conditions. Spain's Murcia Region, particularly the municipality of Cartagena, experienced significant impact. Emergency services were actively involved in rescuing dozens of individuals who were trapped in vehicles within the urban area. Furthermore, numerous roads were closed, and local authorities reported damages to the beaches. In a matter of hours on May 23, certain areas of Cartagena recorded rainfall exceeding 120 mm.

As Algeria mourns the loss of two lives and continues to grapple with the aftermath of flash floods, rescue operations, and damage assessment efforts remain ongoing. The affected communities are working together with the authorities and civil society to rebuild and recover from this natural disaster, while simultaneously taking measures to strengthen their preparedness for future incidents of such magnitude.