Mar 13, 2020

A storm system dubbed “the Dragon Storm” is moving through parts of the Middle East this week, wreaking havoc in Egypt. It has killed nearly 20 people, according to the government.

Thursday was declared a paid holiday as Egyptian officials urged residents to stay indoors and avoid walking near lamp posts or parking their cars near trees. A state of emergency was put in place Wednesday as forecasters predicted the “unprecedented” severe weather continuing through at least Saturday.

Dr. Mahmoud Shaheen, the director of weather forecasting at Egypt’s Meteorological Authority, called the torrential rains and heavy winds the worst weather seen in Egypt since 1994, according to news site Egyptian Streets.

Among those killed were a 6-year-old who died when a tree collapsed on the family home in the southern province of Qena. In the Delta province of Menoufia, a 60-year-old man was reportedly electrocuted walking down the street.

Amid the harsh rains and poor visibility Thursday, two trains collided in the capital of Cairo, injuring 13 passengers, according to officials with the Egyptian Ministry of Health.