Algeria: Orange weather alerts in northern provinces January 28 /update 1

Event

The Algerian Meteorological authorities issued on Monday, January 28, orange weather alerts (the second-highest level on a four-level scale) for heavy rainfall to affect the northern provinces of Bouira, Bejaia, Bordj-Bou-Arreridj, Jijel, Setif, Mila, Skikda, Constantine, Guelma, Souk-Ahras,  Tizi Ouzou, Annaba, and El Tarf. As such, significant transportation disruptions are to be expected in the affected areas over the coming hours and days.

On January 27, protesters reportedly blocked roads in the town of Annaba, to protest against perceived inactions from the authorities in face of the ongoing rainfall.

Context

Authorities recovered the bodies of five people following severe flooding between January 25-26 in the abovementionned areas. Emergency crews also rescued more than 100 people stranded by floods in 17 provinces.

Advice

Individuals in affected provinces are advised to monitor local weather reports, prepare for transportation disruptions, budget additional time to reach their destinations, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities. Remember that walking or driving through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater and chemical products; all items having come into contact with floodwater should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.