Islamic Relief has been supporting victims of floods in Tunisia, supplying food, water, hygiene kits, and blankets to 160 families.
Heavy rainfall on 27 and 28 February 2015 caused the Oued Medjerda river and its tributaries to overflow.
The city of Jendouba, in north-west Tunisia, and surrounding areas were badly affected. Local observers reported flood water up to 2 metres in some areas.
Schools were closed and families across the city had to climb on to the roofs of their homes for safety as the water level rose. The Tunisian government evacuated families as more homes are expected to flood, and some 160 families sought refuge in a local school.
The Tunisian government provided blankets and food to the displaced families. Islamic Relief has also responded with the provision of food, water, hygiene kits, and blankets to 160 families.
2012 Floods
The city has experienced severe flooding before. In February 2012, streets flooded, farms were destroyed and roads were blocked. According to Islamic Relief, many people are still in debt after borrowing money to rebuild and refurnish their homes.
There was also extensive flooding in 1990, when more than 50 people died, and in 1969, when more than 500 people lost their lives.
Islamic Relief has been working in Tunisia since 2012, and continues to monitor the situation closely.
For more information on the work of Islamic Relief, see their website here.
