EuropaWorld 16/11/2001 More than 600 are lost in Algerian Floods

More than 600 have been drowned and thousands made homeless by savage storms that hit the north of Algeria in the past few days. These caused extensive flooding, particularly in the capital city of Algiers. Many more people are still unaccounted for and some reports suggested that the final death toll may reach 1000. The European Union and other countries are organising relief supplies. Switzerland is sending 40 tonnes of aid worth some Sw.F 400,000 that will be distributed by the local Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

Nicole Fontaine, President of the European Parliament, said that she was deeply distressed at the human tragedy suffered in particular by the people of Algiers, and conveyed her "sadness and profound sympathy" to the Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika asking him to pass on the expression of her most sincere sympathy to the families and friends of the victims. The President of the European Commission, Romano Prodi has also sent a message of support.

According to BBC reports many of those who died came from poorer districts in Algiers where the Government had previously blocked storm drains that had been used as an escape route by Islamic militants. Although the militant struggles have now abated the drains have not been unblocked and relatives are blaming the Government for the tragedy.