The worst flooding in a century has left over 30 dead and many more injured in remote parts of Algeria.

The Sahara Desert region of Algeria, well known for its extreme heat and bone-dry weather, suffered flash flooding early this week. The death toll rose Friday to 31, with over 100 injured in the north-central region of Algeria.

Algerian radio reported that water levels were as high as eight feet in parts of Ghardaia, the worst-hit city. Ghardaia is a little less than 400 miles south of the Algerian capital of Algiers. About 600 homes were flooded and gas and electricity were cut off to most of the city.

Algerian Interior Minister Noureddine Yazid Zerhouni called the flooding the worst in a century while touring the stricken area Friday. Meanwhile, protesters gathered in Ghardaia to urge a stronger government response to the flooding. The 5,000 protesters called for basic food supplies and other urgent aid.

Forecasters are calling for no precipitation in the Ghardaia area and for the typically hot and sunny weather to resume dominating the weather picture over the next week.