Dozens dead and injured in flash flooding across Egypt

Torrential rains have caused flooding across Egypt, with reports of cars and buses being washed away by flood waters.

2 min read

29 October, 2016

Flooding is a recurring problem in Egypt, especially in areas with poor infrastructure [Anadolu]

Nineteen people have died and 65 people have been injured as a result of flash-flooding in Upper Egypt over the last three days.

The worst of the flooding has centred around the towns of Saqilata and Akhmim in the Sohag district where cars and buses have been overturned by flood waters from the river Nile.

"The deaths and injuries were the result of electrocution and road accidents," said Khalid Mujahid, a spokesman for the Ministry of Health.

Seven people have died in Ras Gharib, on the Red Sea after hundreds of homes were flooded and all of the main roads out of the town were closed.

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Translation: #Breaking #عاجل #RT Spread this video: #Ras_Gharib streets flooding right now, cars washed away in torrents and people are crying out #to_the_army as they sink inside their own homes. #Egypt #appeal

Prime Minister Sharif Ismail was forced to abandon a visit to Ras Gharib, after protests grew over power and water cuts in the town.

Five more people were killed by flooding in the town of Asyut and the walls of four factory buildings collapsed in Asyut province as a result of the rain .

In South Sinai, flooding also affected the area surrounding Nuweiba and Taba, closing all major roads connecting Nuweiba and St Catherine.

Flooding is a big problem in Egypt at this time of the year, especially in areas with poor infrastructure. Seven people died last year, sparking protests against a "profound institutional failure".