Faced with a weather disturbance of rare intensity, marked by winds that could reach or even exceed 120 km/h, the Civil Protection agency is calling on citizens to exercise maximum vigilance and strictly follow preventive measures to safeguard lives and limit risks to property. This is what Lieutenant-Colonel Nassim Bernaoui, deputy director of statistics and information at the General Directorate of Civil Protection (DGPC), told Le Jeune Indépendant this Wednesday.
Lieutenant-Colonel Bernaoui stated that “we must remain vigilant and even double our vigilance, as we are facing an exceptional weather situation with varying periods from one wilaya to another.” He recalled that the red-level special weather bulletin (BMS), issued by the National Meteorology Office, has been in effect since Tuesday and will remain valid until late Thursday night, affecting more than 40 wilayas from coastal regions to those in the South.
He added that periods of calm observed in some areas, particularly in the center of the country, must not lead to any relaxation, explaining that “the absence of wind at a given moment does not mean the danger is over. Gusts can resume abruptly, sometimes starting at noon and lasting until the next day.” He emphasized that the BMS has undergone several successive updates since Sunday due to the rapid evolution of the data.
Lieutenant-Colonel Bernaoui also praised the measures taken by the authorities, including the suspension of classes for all three school levels and the closure of certain public spaces, assuring that “these decisions are primarily aimed at protecting citizens, especially children, who are not always aware of the danger and can be exposed at any moment.”
The Civil Protection official urged citizens to secure their homes, specifying that “it is essential to close shutters and blinds to prevent the wind from hurling objects or breaking windows, while keeping ventilation openings clear to avoid risks related to carbon monoxide.”
It is also recommended to remove or securely fasten objects placed on balconies, as “a simple poorly secured object can fall, damage a vehicle, or cause serious, even fatal injuries.”
Major Risks for Drivers
Drivers are also called upon to exercise the utmost caution. “Reduce speed, maintain safety distances, and turn on headlights. Unless absolutely necessary, it’s better to postpone travel,” Lieutenant-Colonel Bernaoui firmly stressed, highlighting the high risk of vehicle overturning.
In the southern wilayas, sandstorms pose an additional danger. The DGPC representative warned that “visibility can drop to almost zero. At that point, it’s preferable to stop and take shelter in a safe place.”
Civil Protection is also warning against the temptation to expose oneself to danger to film or post sensational content. “Human lives are more important than videos and likes on social media,” Lieutenant-Colonel Bernaoui alerted.
At sea, the situation is considered particularly worrisome. A swell BMS announces waves of 3 to 6 meters, potentially reaching 7 to 12 meters in some areas. “It is strictly forbidden to go out to sea or stay near coasts and ports. Waves can hurl rocks and sweep people away,” the official warned, urging both professional and amateur fishermen to cancel all outings until the BMS is lifted.
On construction sites, especially those at height, the directive is also in effect. “Cranes must be secured, and work postponed when conditions require it, as the risk of falls is real,” he emphasized.
Regarding mobilization, Lieutenant-Colonel Bernaoui explained that Civil Protection is currently on level 2 alert, with reinforced deployment of human and material resources. He specified that “we are working in close coordination with the National Meteorology Office, the wilayas, and all concerned sectors, in a logic of anticipation before, during, and after the event.” As for the damage report from the violent winds, the official noted that as of this Wednesday morning, no human losses have been reported, despite several tree falls and infrastructure collapses in Algiers, Mostaganem, Tizi Ouzou, and on RN 103.