Heavy rainfall hit the municipalities of Jalal and Chachar in Khenchela, Algeria, on Saturday evening, causing flash flooding in the Ain Lahmam wadi and closing roads. The downpour resulted in considerable damage, prompting the immediate response of local authorities and emergency services. The situation required the intervention of various entities, including the municipalities of Jalal and Chachar, civil protection units, the National Sanitation Office, and public works services.
The torrential rains created massive runoff, with rising water levels flooding streets and homes, and damaging several roads. The stone barriers, particularly those in the village of Somaa Ouled Belkacem, collapsed, necessitating the deployment of emergency services to drain the water, repair damage, and ensure public safety. According to the Public Works Directorate, emergency measures were taken to close the National Road 83 at the 193+600 kilometer mark near Ain Lahmam due to road damage.
The closure of National Road 83, which connects Chachar and Jalal to Biskra, was necessitated by the overflow of Ain Lahmam wadi, causing traffic to be redirected to the municipal road number 74 linking Ain Esfa and Jalal. Drivers were advised to exercise extreme caution and adhere to the designated alternative route until the road reopened once repairs were completed. The area experienced significant rainfall, leading to the accumulation of debris and falling rocks on National Road 83 and state roads 7, 8, and 17a.
Maintenance teams from the Public Works Department's sub-division in Chachar, supported by teams from the sub-divisions in Babar, Ouled Rachadh, and municipal services, intervened with the necessary equipment and personnel to clear the roads of accumulated debris and restore traffic flow. The teams successfully cleaned the road and reopened traffic on National Road 83 at 8 am on Sunday, following gas leak repairs by Sonelgaz and road clearing.
The National Sanitation Office also responded to the situation, removing solid waste and debris from stormwater drains and clearing blockages in the sewage network to mitigate the risk of further flooding and ensure the proper functioning of the network. According to the Wilaya's communication cell, following the heavy rainfall in Chachar, technical services and civil protection agents worked to drain accumulated rainwater in the Hajji Ali neighborhood.
The Wali (Governor) of Khenchela, Slim Harizi, visited Chachar municipality urgently to assess the situation and inspect the flooded Ain Lahmam wadi in Jalal, where National Road 83 was closed due to the rising water levels. The Wali was briefed on the situation and response efforts, accompanied by all relevant technical services and sectors.
The recent floods in Khenchela highlight the vulnerability of the region to extreme weather events and the importance of emergency preparedness and response measures. Local authorities continue to work on repairing damaged infrastructure and providing support to affected residents. No casualties were reported, but the full extent of the damage and the number of people affected are still being assessed.
Key points
- Flash flooding in Khenchela's Jalal and Chachar municipalities causes significant damage and road closures.
- Emergency services respond to mitigate the impact of the floods and restore normalcy.
- Authorities continue to assess damage and provide support to affected residents.
