Storm Harry unleashes deadly floods and sandstorms across Arab world

Severe weather linked to a storm system known locally as Storm Harry has prompted emergency measures across 11 Arab countries, including Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

The low pressure system, which originated off the Libyan coast, is expected to continue affecting the region until at least Saturday, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, sandstorms and snowfall.

Here is a breakdown of conditions in some of the worst-affected countries:

Tunisia

At least four people have died in flooding across Tunisia, authorities said on Tuesday, as the country experiences its heaviest rainfall in more than 70 years.

Civil defence teams recovered the bodies from floodwaters in the Monastir and Relizane governorates. Officials have suspended classes in public and private schools and universities in 15 of Tunisia’s 24 governorates due to the severe weather.

Videos shared on social media showed cars stranded and streets submerged as flash floods swept through multiple towns. The Tunisian army has joined rescue efforts, with authorities warning of “critical” conditions in several regions.

Libya

Libya’s House of Representatives emergency committee imposed a curfew on Tuesday as a sandstorm continued to batter large parts of the country. The measures will remain in place until conditions improve, though no timeframe has been given.

Several flights were suspended, including at Tripoli’s Mitiga Airport and Benghazi’s Benina Airport, due to poor visibility. Authorities also said power to dams in eastern Libya was cut as a precaution amid strong winds.

The Libyan Red Crescent said a man was killed in central Benghazi after the roof of his home collapsed during the storm.

Algeria

Algeria’s national meteorological agency issued alerts on Tuesday warning of snowfall in several regions on Wednesday, alongside continued heavy rainfall that has caused flooding since Monday.

Civil protection teams carried out multiple rescue operations for people trapped by floodwaters in areas including Satal, Douar Ouled Zakri, Ezzia, Ain El Kebir, Belkhalfa and Freres Hamdi.

Two people have died in weather-related incidents, including a man in Relizane and a 13-year-old child in Chlef, authorities said.

Iraq

Authorities in Erbil Governorate announced that public and private schools will remain closed on Wednesday due to severe cold weather.

Several major roads were reported frozen, causing traffic disruptions across the region.