Algeria: Cold Wave - Jan 2017

Algeria has been suffering from a cold wave that began on 16 January 2017. The falling snow and cold weather in Algeria has affected the Eastern, Central and the high plateau regions. The snow has cut off numerous communities and villages, particularly in the mountainous areas, causing losses to livelihoods due to isolation, power cuts and material damages to the residents of these areas. Dwellings have been damaged by the heavy snowfall, especially the tents used by nomadic population. Initial assessments carried out by the ARCS indicate that up to 25,000 families have been affected by the adverse weather conditions to various degrees. To cope with the situation substantial Government and military resources have been deployed. (IFRC, 27 Jan 2017)