Soaring temperatures lead to deaths and power cuts in Tunisia

Severe heatwaves and power cuts have taken a toll on Tunisia, leading to numerous deaths and widespread unrest. President Kais Saied faced protests in the capital Tunis, with citizens demanding his resignation over water and electricity shortages, rising costs, and extreme heat. The nation endured a second major heatwave in late August, with temperatures soaring to near 50ºC in places like Kairouan.

Meanwhile, five other Tunisian cities were among the world's 20 hottest locations that day. Mr Saied dismissed the extreme temperatures as "deliberately planned acts of sabotage." The discontent has been simmering for weeks, with demonstrators accusing the government of neglecting public services and living conditions. The opposition movement gained traction since Mr Saied assumed broad powers in July 2021, sidelining parliament and concentrating authority in the presidency.

Protesters chanted "neither water, nor electricity, nor freedom." A group of young doctors reported a surge in heatstroke-related deaths and hospital admissions, as well as fatalities among prisoners in emergency departments. They urged the government to declare a public health emergency to mobilize resources. Initiatives to supply clean drinking water proliferated, with coffee shops offering free water and Tunisians abroad organizing the distribution of water filters.