Heavy rains drenched various streets in Egypt on Saturday, 20 November 2021, as the country is going through a wave of unstable weather (Photo: Ahram Online)
The rainfall is caused by thunder clouds accumulating over various parts in the country's north coast, Greater Cairo, Lower Egypt, and some areas of Egypt's south, according to Egyptian Meteorological Authority (EMA).
The downpour reportedly lasted over half an hour in some areas.
Traffic congestion was reported in a handful of areas due to the accumulation of rainwater.
Since early Saturday, vacuum trucks have been seen on various major roads and squares across the country draining rainwater to help smooth the movement of vehicles.
Egypt is set to see a four-day wave of unstable weather conditions starting Saturday with moderate to heavy rain, strong winds and a three to four degree Celsius decline in temperature, a statement by EMA stated on Thursday.
As a pre-emptive safety measure after the EMA's statement, school was suspended today in six governorates, including Alexandria, Kafr El-Sheikh, Dakhleya, Marsa Matrouh, and Damietta. Also, Cairo, Giza and Damietta announced the suspension of school on Sunday.
Egypt has no rainwater drainage network and relies on the sewage network to drain rainwater.
Heavy rain usually causes widespread chaos in streets across the country.
A drainage network for rainwater would cost EGP 300-400 billion, according to various estimates.
The government has embarked in recent years on several national projects to modernize roads and the sewage network system.
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