Tunisia: Dialectal Arabic Radio Alerts Proposed for Heatwaves Amid Communication Failures

Tunisia is grappling with increasingly severe heatwaves, leading a think tank to call for a fundamental overhaul of the country's communication methods for extreme weather alerts. The group, "Resilient Futures," argues that the current institutional communication system is "structurally flawed" and fails to adequately reach the most vulnerable citizens.

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activation systematic of local radios in dialectal Arabic

"Resilient Futures" published a report in June 2026 recommending the systematic use of local radio stations broadcasting in dialectal Arabic to disseminate critical information. This approach is seen as vital, especially since the five hottest years recorded in Tunisia since 1950 have all occurred after 2021. Despite the escalating climate risks, the study found that only one in three Tunisians reported receiving official communication about climate hazards. The report criticizes a "digital monoculture" heavily reliant on Facebook, which excludes isolated elderly individuals and rural populations.

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structurally flawed

Experts suggest that broadcasting alerts in dialectal Arabic on FM radio, starting at the "yellow alert" level, is the most effective non-digital, accessible medium for reaching vulnerable groups like outdoor laborers and agricultural workers. The report, analyzing seven years of public communications (2019-2025), noted a complete absence of preventive campaigns before summer, with communication only beginning once a heatwave is already underway. Public messages predominantly focus on immediate individual actions, such as drinking water or cooling down, rather than promoting sustainable structural measures like installing shutters or improving roof insulation.

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a digital monoculture centered on Facebook which de facto excludes isolated elderly people and rural populations.

To counter this trend, "Resilient Futures" proposes several key actions. These include naming each heatwave event, similar to Seville's proMETEO system, to enhance public risk awareness. They also advocate for establishing a permanent inter-ministerial task force involving the National Institute of Meteorology, Health Ministry, STEG (electricity and gas company), and the Environment Ministry to coordinate a currently fragmented response. Furthermore, the think tank calls for legal protections for outdoor workers, drawing inspiration from Spain's 2023 model. The report stresses that improved communication is now a "condition for survival" amid escalating climate risks.

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better communication is now a 'condition for survival'.