Algeria's civil protection unit said on Saturday that five people died after being swept away by flood waters as a cold snap in the Maghreb brought snow to several of the country's regions. "All the victims have been retrieved over the last 48 hours after being swept away by waters in Annaba, El Tarf, Tizi Ouzou and Tipaza," the civil protection body said.
Salvage operations took place in more than 17 areas and around 100 people have been rescued in the last 24 hours. A total of 33 roads remain blocked in over 10 regions because of snow, the civil protection unit said, adding "snow clearing operations are progressing".
*World Weather* Deep snow in north Algeria yesterday, Jan 24th - thanks to سام مسعودي for the report! pic.twitter.com/jZOltvg9Ez
— severe-weather.EU (@severeweatherEU) January 25, 2019
Snowfall in Setif downtown, Algeria yesterday, Jan 24th - thanks to Sami Ben Oma for the report! pic.twitter.com/UyraaD8ool
— severe-weather.EU (@severeweatherEU) January 25, 2019
Blizzard in Batna and snow in Constantine, Algeria today, Jan 25th - thanks to Crb Sidal ifor the report! pic.twitter.com/hJv10rpErg
— severe-weather.EU (@severeweatherEU) January 25, 2019
*World Weather* The southern side of the Mediterranean - Setif, Algeria yesterday, January 24! Report: Ãbdø BK Habirech via partners @cycloneorhodes pic.twitter.com/KNhbTXaqET
— severe-weather.EU (@severeweatherEU) January 25, 2019
Elsewhere in North Africa, neighbouring Tunisia's interior ministry said on Friday two people were killed by flooding and cold weather, after heavy snowfall.
Quite some frehs snow also in Ain Drahem, Tunisia this morning, Jan 25th - thanks to Ouaél RouiSsi for the report! pic.twitter.com/XMBMEaIaV4
— severe-weather.EU (@severeweatherEU) January 25, 2019
Source: AFP