Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Heavy rainfall swept across Egypt’s northwestern coastline early Wednesday, affecting multiple cities in Matrouh Governorate as a wave of unstable weather brought a sharp drop in temperatures and widespread disruption.
Since the early morning hours, intense rain has been reported across several coastal cities including El Alamein, Marsa Matrouh, El Dabaa, Sidi Barrani and Sallum. The downpours were accompanied by noticeably cooler conditions, marking a sudden shift in weather across the region.
In response, Matrouh Governor Mohamed El Zamlout ordered a partial suspension of work across the governorate on Wednesday and Thursday. The decision grants leave to approximately 50 percent of public sector employees, with priority given to women, in an effort to reduce movement during hazardous weather.
Officials stressed that essential services will continue uninterrupted. Critical sectors and service facilities have been exempted from the decision to ensure continuity in healthcare and other vital operations.
Residents have been urged to exercise caution, particularly on highways and open roads, and to limit movement as much as possible until conditions improve.
Authorities also confirmed that all executive bodies have been placed on high alert to respond to any emergencies caused by the severe weather, in line with warnings issued by the Egyptian Meteorological Authority regarding expected weather instability, strong winds, and continued rainfall.
Meanwhile, the health sector in the governorate has raised its level of readiness. Hospitals, primary care centers, and quarantine facilities have reinforced staffing and emergency response capabilities, with direct coordination underway through the central operations room to handle any developments.
