North Africa witnessed strong storms and violent winds in recent days, exceeding 90 kilometers per hour, affecting Libya, Tunisia, and Algeria, causing paralysis in some vital facilities and material losses, with repeated calls to exercise caution and stay away from low-lying and affected areas.
Libya: Maximum Alert in the West and Discrepancy in Decision-Making between the Two Governments
In western Libya, the provisional unity government declared a state of emergency and suspended studies in more than 35 municipalities, including Greater Tripoli, Zuwara, Zawiya, and mountain cities, to reduce traffic and avoid accidents, while the University of Tripoli suspended studies and administrative work on Sunday due to the severity of the storm. The ambulance and emergency services also raised the level of maximum readiness, and the Tripoli municipality called on residents of dilapidated buildings to evacuate them immediately. Operations were also halted at four major oil ports: Ras Lanuf, Zueitina, Brega, and Es Sider. In contrast, the eastern Libyan government in Benghazi did not announce any suspension of studies, based on reports from the meteorological center that the rains and winds would not affect the educational process, while issuing warnings to citizens to exercise caution when traveling between desert cities.
Tunisia: 20 Governorates Under High Alert
The Tunisian Meteorological Institute announced on Saturday evening that most of the governorates were under "high alert," including the capital, with wind speeds that could reach 110 kilometers per hour. The Civil Protection called on residents to stay in their homes and only move when absolutely necessary, while taking precautions against falling trees and power poles. Tunisia has been experiencing climate fluctuations for more than a week, which have caused floods that resulted in the death of five people and the loss of two others at sea, in addition to the retrieval of the bodies of two sailors.
Algeria: Thousands Affected
In Algeria, the Civil Protection recorded 530 interventions since January 27, due to strong winds in 34 states, which caused hundreds of trees to fall, damage to electrical cables and lighting poles, and partial collapses in some buildings. 17 people were injured in the states of Algiers, Chlef, Mostaganem, Oran, Blida, Skikda, and Guelma, and they were taken for treatment after first aid. The authorities confirmed the continuation of readiness for rapid intervention and called on citizens to adhere to safety instructions.
