Storm forces Algeria to shut schools

ALGIERS - Algeria announced on Tuesday the temporary closure of schools in the vast majority of its provinces for the next two days as the country braces for a major storm system bringing severe weather conditions.

The decision, reported on Tuesday, reflects precautionary measures by Algerian authorities to prioritize the safety of students, teachers, and staff amid forecasts of heavy rainfall, strong winds, potential snowfall in elevated areas, and risks of flooding or hazardous travel conditions. The closures affect most of the country's 58 provinces, allowing essential preparations and reducing exposure to potentially dangerous weather on roads and in school facilities.

This move comes as a powerful storm- referred to in some regional reports as "Storm Harry" - sweeps across parts of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The system has already triggered emergency responses in multiple countries, including Morocco, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, and others, with reports of flooding, sandstorms, infrastructure disruptions, and even fatalities in neighboring Libya due to collapsed structures and poor visibility.

In Algeria, the national meteorological agency has issued alerts highlighting continued heavy rainfall since earlier in the week, alongside warnings of snowfall in several regions. These conditions pose particular risks in northern and mountainous areas, where flash floods, landslides, or icy roads could endanger commuters. While specific details on the exact provinces affected or the precise storm impacts (such as expected rainfall amounts or wind speeds) vary, the widespread school suspension underscores the scale of the anticipated threat.

The closures build on similar preventive actions seen recently in the region. For instance, Tunisia suspended classes in 15 of its 24 governorates due to the same weather system, and other areas have seen airport disruptions and power precautions at critical infrastructure.

Algerian officials have emphasized that the measure is temporary and aimed at safeguarding public safety during this period of meteorological instability. Parents and students are advised to monitor official updates from the Ministry of Education and local authorities for any extensions or resumption details. Authorities are also urging residents to stay informed through reliable weather channels, avoid unnecessary travel, and prepare for potential power outages or localized flooding.

This storm arrives amid broader regional weather volatility, highlighting the increasing frequency of extreme events in North Africa and the need for robust preparedness.