Kathmandu— Tunisia is experiencing extreme temperatures nearing 50°C, which have led to record electricity demand and subsequent power cuts. These disruptions are affecting the country's water supply system and putting pressure on emergency medical services. The heatwave has coincided with rotating power outages across Tunisia, impacting both households and businesses.
Record-Breaking Heat
On August 27, Kairouan reached a temperature of 49.8°C (121.6°F), making it the second-hottest location monitored worldwide that day after Mehran in Iran. Six Tunisian cities were among the world’s 20 hottest monitoring stations. The extreme temperatures have pushed up electricity demand as households and businesses use more air conditioning, straining the power grid.
Electricity Cuts
The Tunisian Company of Electricity and Gas (STEG) has introduced rotating power cuts in several regions to manage the exceptionally high demand during periods of extreme heat. STEG officials reported that electricity demand may have reached a record 6,000 megawatts in July, up from 5,600MW just days earlier. The outages have affected areas across Tunisia rather than a single region.
Water Supply Disruptions
The water-distribution system in parts of Tunisia relies on electrically powered pumping stations, which can stop operating during power interruptions. On August 24, an electricity interruption stopped the main Kerker pumping station, disrupting drinking-water supplies in several areas of the Mahdia and Sfax governorates. However, structural water scarcity and recurring drought have been long-standing issues for Tunisia.
Impact on Health Services
The heatwave has put pressure on emergency departments across Tunisia. The Tunisian Organization of Young Doctors reported an “unprecedented” increase in deaths and hospital admissions associated with heatstroke and extreme temperatures. On August 29, the organization said 13 people had died within 24 hours at Habib Bourguiba Hospital in Sfax.
(With inputs from Al Jazeera)
Originally published on abcnews.com.np.
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