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‘Dragon storm’ batters Egypt with torrential rains, killing nearly 20

The intense storm comes as the country struggles to contain a coronavirus outbreak within its borders.
A man rides a bicycle during a thunderstorm and heavy rains in downtown of Cairo, as the government announced a day off while the rain exceeds the infrastructure's capacity in most cities in Egypt March 12, 2020. REUTERS/Shokry Hussien - RC2BIF9XYLHI

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. 

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