At least 34 people have died as a result of forest fires in northeastern Algeria. Ten soldiers were also among the dead. This is evidenced by the new balance sheet from the authorities.
According to preliminary data, there were still 15 dead and 26 wounded. Forest fires raged in about fifteen prefectures in the northeast of the country. In Bejaia, in the east of the country, soldiers were surrounded by fire during the evacuation from Beni Xil, as were residents of nearby settlements, the defense ministry said.
In total, 97 fires in sixteen regions have already been registered in the country. But the most violent outbreaks occurred in Bejai, Buira and Jijela. Blown by a strong wind, the flames reached residential quarters there. About 1,500 people had to be evacuated. The region is also experiencing intense heat. On Monday, the mercury rose to 48 degrees Celsius.
As of Monday evening, about 8,000 members of the civil defense were still working in 11 prefectures where the fires were still raging. Firefighting planes and helicopters are used to fight forest fires.
Although northern Algeria is affected by forest fires every year, the phenomenon is getting worse due to climate change. In August 2022, large-scale fires claimed the lives of 37 people. The summer of 2021 was the deadliest in decades, with over ninety deaths.
Source : HLN
