Snow causes chaos on Algerian roads

BREAKING CLIMATE NEWS: North Africa
Photo Left: Satellite Image of Snow Across Morocco and Algeria
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Feb 27, 2006
Algeria - Heavy snow has cut off villages and clogged key arteries leading away from the Algerian capital Algiers for several days, national police said on Sunday.Djelfa, which had 70cm, was "totally paralysed", the Algerian Press Agency reported.At least 60cm of snow blanketed villages near Djelfa and Medea, respectively 270km and 80km south of Algiers.An AFP reporter said only donkeys and mules could ply the roads around the villages.Snow is unusual in the north African country, but last winter saw snowfalls of more than two metres in several parts of the north-east.The main roads remained dangerous even after they were cleared, authorities warned.