At least 34 people, 10 of whom were soldiers, lost their lives in forest fires. Incidents in various parts of Algeria since Sunday caused by the heatwave, according to figures updated by the Algerian Ministry of Interior. The ministry portfolio indicated that there are currently eleven states affected by the agents. More than 8,000 soldiers and more than 500 firefighters are workingsupported by teams from states unaffected by the fires.
“In parallel, air sorties continue to extinguish the fires, including chartered aircraft from the People’s National Army Air Force, which continue to operate in the affected areas despite severe weather conditions due to high winds and record high temperatures,” the statement said.
Local authorities continue to monitor the situation and have ordered the preventive evacuation of residents from several wooded areas to safe places. A previous balance reported 15 deathsin a context where temperatures reach 50 degrees Celsius in the north of the country.
Algerian President Abdelmayid Tebune conveyed his condolences to the relatives of those who lost their lives, civilians and members of the National Army, and said, “In this painful ordeal, I offer my sincere condolences and deep compassion to the relatives of those who lost their lives, and I assure them of the absolute solidarity of the State.”
In addition, the authorities launched a preliminary investigation to determine the causes of the forest fires and identify the perpetrators. “If the nature of crime and sabotage is determined, the files will be transferred to the Anti-Terrorism and Anti-Organized Crime Branch Directorate,” the Algerian Ministry of Justice said.