In brief
The latest wildfires in northern Algeria have killed over twelve people and left more than fifty wounded. Sixty‑nine fires erupted across the coast, especially in Jijel, Bejaia and Tizi Ouzou, amid a heatwave that has exploited climate change‑driven temperatures. Interior Minister Said Sayoud confirmed the toll and the transfer of medical teams to the hardest hit areas. Evacuations have taken place in many villages and homes, and local authorities are still battling the flames. These events underscore the increasing risk of such disasters in North Africa.
At least 12 people have died and more than 50 wounded in a series of wildfires that have swept across northern Algeria.
Sixty‑nine blazes were reported nationwide, with major fire activity in the provinces of Jijel, Bejaia and Tizi Ouzou amid a severe heatwave that has been documented by the World Meteorological Organization.
Interior Minister Said Sayoud confirmed the death toll and said six of the injured were in intensive care as firefighting teams responded from both civilian and military units.
Local evacuations have taken place in Bejaia and Jijel, with residents forced to flee their homes and, in some cases, take refuge in public buildings such as post offices.
Officials have dispatched health and emergency workers to provide medical care while the civil protection authorities continue to contain the fires, which previously caused large casualties in the region three years ago.
Climate change has intensified the heat conditions that worsen the intensity and spread of these wildfires, a trend that continues to raise alarms in North Africa.
