Attachments
Description of the Event
Date of event
19-01-2026
What happened, where and when?
Since 18 January 2026, Tunisia has experienced exceptionally heavy and sustained rainfall that triggered widespread flooding, flash floods, and river overflows across large parts of the country. Meteorological authorities reported rainfall levels unseen since the 1950s, with particularly intense precipitation recorded within short timeframes on 19 and 20 January, rapidly overwhelming drainage systems and saturating soils. The flooding caused extensive damage to housing, essential infrastructure, and public services, and resulted in five confirmed fatalities, with several individuals still reported missing. Flood risks have been further aggravated by hydrological pressure from rivers originating in Algeria, following the cyclone’s movement in that direction, keeping the situation highly dynamic.
The floods have affected eastern and northern Tunisia, impacting 15 governorates, including Tunis, Ariana, Manouba, Ben Arous, Bizerte, Nabeul, Sousse, Monastir, Mahdia, Sfax, Béja, Jendouba, and Kef. Impacts have been reported in urban, peri-urban, rural, and coastal areas, as well as remote rural and mountainous communities that remain difficult to access. Low-lying neighborhoods, flood-prone settlements, and areas with weak drainage infrastructure have been particularly affected, with inundated roads and neighborhoods disrupting access to services, markets, and livelihoods. An estimated 25,000 people have been affected nationwide, including households isolated by floodwaters.
Rainfall continued on 20 and 21 January under ongoing severe weather alerts, compounding the effects of already saturated ground conditions and increasing the likelihood of further flooding. As of late January 2026, the emergency remains ongoing, with elevated hydrological risks and the potential for additional impacts in the coming days, necessitating continued response and close monitoring by national authorities and humanitarian partners.