The Algerian National Meteorological Office (ONM) has issued a weather alert for 15 provinces in the eastern part of the country and the High Plateaus, warning of heavy rain and thunderstorms on Friday, October 30. The alert, which is in effect from 1 pm to 11 pm local time, forecasts rainfall accumulations of up to 15 mm in some areas. The provinces affected by the alert include Béjaïa, Jijel, Skikda, Annaba, and El Tarf along the coast, as well as Constantine, Mila, Guelma, Souk Ahras, Oum El Bouaghi, Batna, Khenchela, Tébessa, and Biskra.
The ONM has warned of intense rainfall and thunderstorms in the affected regions, with variable intensity across different areas. The weather alert is an extension of a rainy spell that began on Thursday, with the eastern coastal regions expected to bear the brunt of the precipitation. The meteorological office has recommended caution and advised people to stay away from riverbanks and sloping terrain, where water levels can rise rapidly.
The Algerian Civil Protection services have issued safety guidelines to coincide with the weather alert, urging people to exercise caution when driving and to avoid crossing flooded roads. Motorists are advised to reduce their speed and avoid driving through flooded areas, as the roads can become slippery and visibility can be reduced. The guidelines also warn of the dangers of flash flooding, which can occur quickly and without warning.
In the past 24 hours, the Civil Protection services have carried out 2,792 interventions across the country, with an average of one intervention every 30 seconds. The interventions included responding to 206 road accidents, which resulted in 257 injuries and six fatalities. The services also responded to a gas intoxication incident, which left one person requiring medical attention.
The weather alert is the latest in a series of warnings issued by the ONM in recent days, with 16 provinces placed under yellow alert on Wednesday, October 28. The alerts have been issued due to the risk of heavy rain and thunderstorms, which can cause flash flooding and disrupt daily life. Residents in the affected provinces are advised to stay informed about the latest weather forecast and to follow the guidelines issued by the authorities.
The ONM has been monitoring the weather situation closely, and the latest alert is a reflection of the ongoing rainy spell that has affected the country. The meteorological office has urged people to remain vigilant and to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. The Civil Protection services are on standby to respond to any emergencies that may arise.
The impact of the heavy rain and thunderstorms is expected to be felt across the affected provinces, with residents advised to prepare for possible disruptions to daily life. The authorities have urged people to stay safe and to follow the guidelines issued by the ONM and the Civil Protection services. The situation will continue to be monitored, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Key points
- 15 Algerian provinces have been placed under weather alert due to heavy rain and thunderstorms.
- The alert is in effect from 1 pm to 11 pm local time on Friday, October 30.
- Residents are advised to exercise caution and follow safety guidelines issued by the authorities.
