Tunis: The climatic fluctuations and record-breaking rainfall on January 19-20, 2026, have caused significant damage to 128 sites, primarily rural tracks and roads, as reported by the Ministry of Public Works and Housing. The affected regions span across six governorates, including Nabeul, Monastir, Bizerte, Manouba, Ben Arous, and Zaghouan.

According to Agence Tunis Afrique Presse, the Ministry of Public Works and Housing compiled a preliminary report detailing the extent of the damages. The report highlights that the majority of the damage occurred on rural tracks, which have weaker infrastructure compared to other roads and bridges. Khaled Latrach, Director General of Bridges and Roads, shared these insights during a televised interview on TAP news agency's programme 'Economic Review.'

Nabeul emerged as the most affected governorate, with 31 damaged points on numbered roads and 36 on rural tracks. Monastir followed closely. Latrach pointed out that the extent of damage varied by governorate and road type, with ongoing assessments in areas such as Jendouba and Siliana.

Despite the widespread damage, Latrach confirmed that no significant damage was recorded on bridges, crediting their robust design and protection mechanisms that help mitigate the impact of rainfall and debris. The damages to roads and rural tracks were primarily attributed to overflowing wadis, rising water levels, slopes, silt and mud accumulation, and damage to road shoulders, crossings, and water structures.

Specific roads impacted by the rainfall include Regional Road 27 connecting Nabeul to Korba, Regional Road 28 toward El Fahs and Hammamet, and Regional Road 44 linking Beni Khalled to Korba. Currently, seven points on roads and rural tracks remain closed, including two tracks each in Ben Arous and Nabeul, one road in Bizerte, and another in Jendouba.

The ministry is making urgent efforts to restore access for residents while preparing studies for comprehensive repairs. Traffic is expected to resume in the coming days, depending on the road conditions. Latrach also mentioned the successful reopening of three roads in Tataouine, which had faced dune encroachment, through collaboration with a private construction company.

Latrach further discussed the impact of climate fluctuations on road infrastructure, noting that rising flood levels exceed the designed capacity of crossings and water structures, leading to erosion of foundations and damage to pavement layers. He emphasized the need for revising design standards, increasing return periods from 20 years to 100 years for high-traffic roads, and incorporating additional safety margins while adapting designs to site-specific conditions.