Floods in Algeria

[issaa]

ALGIERS, Algeria -- The death toll in Algeria's worst flooding for years rose to over 340 on Sunday as more bodies were found in the capital Algiers, the worst hit area.

The government promised aid for stricken families after an emergency cabinet meeting, but the pledge came too late to save the country's leaders from fierce attacks in the media.

Newspapers say the government was warned of the impending disaster but failed to act.

"Criminal negligence," "Carelessness" and "Desertion of duty" were among headlines on Sunday.

Emergency services found more dead in the debris in Algiers, and said the toll had passed 340 -- three quarters of them in the capital itself, home to 3.5 million people.

Torrential rains began drenching the capital of Algiers on Friday, causing water to rush through its streets and buildings to crumble in Bab El Oued, one of the city's poorer neighborhoods.

Throughout the city, people could be seen wading waist-high in water, trying to get to safety. Muddy brown water raced down the grand staircases that dot the hilly, seaside capital. Many ground-floor apartments were engulfed in water.

A damage estimate was not immediately available.

Traffic came to a standstill and cars rammed into one another as roads became impassable because of high waters, felled trees and debris. Four people were killed in vehicle
accidents.

Telephone lines were cut and a large number of old buildings were so badly damaged that there were fears some would collapse.

After heavy winds and rain uprooted electric cables, utility provider Sonelgaz cut power to a number of areas to lower the risk of electrocution.

The storm disrupted the daily routine of life in the North African nation's other cities as well. Among the victims was a little girl in the western city of Oran, who died after being swept away by flood waters.

The sudden inundation followed several weeks of pronounced dryness in the region. After a 24-hour downpour, the rain had largely stopped by Saturday afternoon.

CNN, 12 November 2001

[qas]

Asalam aleikum !
Can you help us to get in contact with our family who are living in 10 rue rachid Kouache Bab-eloued Algeris? Their family name is Benzaoui and some member names are Assia, mourad, Kamel, Nasera, Hayet. Thank you very much!
Please let us know as soon as possible per e-mail or phone in New Zealand 0064 4 3835262 or 0272241098!
shokran!

Rachid and Anja Benzaoui

[Lannia]

Assalaam aleikum, everybody!
Please, help me to find my friends in Algiers. I cannot call them from Russia cos there are no telephone connection with Algeria 4 days. It will be tragedy for me if they will be dead.....................
Their names and numbers (they live in Algiers) -

If they are alive, please, I wait their information by phone, email etc. If no......., please, write me on my email

Shukran.
Yours - Lannia (Irina)

[issaa]

Assalaam Alaykoum Rachid, Anja & Lannia

I pray that your family and friends are safe.
Best of luck in your efforts to find them.

Trust in God and He will give you strength!

Salaam

[Lannia]

Assalaam aleikum, everybody!
I want to inform you that all of my friends from that list (see my first information) are ALIVE and OK. I'm very glad to know it!!! I'm happy now. I know Allah rescued them in that catastrophy.
Allah is great!

Yours - Lannia