Alexandria battered by severe storms: State of emergency declared
Egypt is grappling with unexpected storms that have paralysed Alexandria. Strong winds and hail have taken residents by surprise. The effects of this weather armageddon have caused chaos in the city.
What do you need to know?
- Severe storms hit Alexandria on Saturday, 31st May, causing chaos in the city.
- The authorities in Alexandria declared a state of emergency, reducing pressure in the water supply system and deploying sanitation vehicles in the most threatened areas.
- Egyptian services predict that difficult weather conditions will persist in the coming days.
What are the effects of the storms in Alexandria?
On Saturday, 31st May, severe storms swept over northern Egypt, causing chaos in Alexandria.
The storms were accompanied by hail and gusty winds reaching speeds of up to 50 km/h. As a result of the storm, many trees and streetlights were knocked down, and local roads were flooded.
What actions have the authorities taken?
Governor Ahmed Khaled Hassan Saeed ordered all city departments to be on high alert. The authorities in Alexandria reduced pressure in the water supply system and deployed sanitation vehicles in the most endangered areas.
Services assisted drivers trapped in flooded cars, and also increased the number of bus services to make it easier for residents to move around the city. The removal of fallen trees and other obstacles from roads has also begun.
What do the weather forecasts predict?
Mahmoud Shaheen, director of forecasting and early warning at the Egyptian Meteorological Authority, attributed the storm to a low-pressure system that lowered temperatures and created storm clouds close to the ground.
Egyptian services predict that difficult weather conditions may persist for the next few days. For this reason, university exams in Alexandria have been postponed.
