Algiers - Poor planning and worse maintenance, not the wrath of nature, explain the high death toll from flash flooding in Algeria, experts said yesterday.
Algeria's worst flash floods in four decades have killed at least 618 people, including 577 in Algiers alone on Saturday, according to rescuers and official figures.
Thirty-nine bodies were found since Monday evening amid mud and debris in Oued Koriche, one of the most devastated city districts, a Civil Defence officer, who did not want to be named, said.