Algerian media outlets report that the death toll from the wildfires spreading across 11 Algerian states has risen to 34. According to a statement by the Algerian Ministry of Interior, 10 soldiers from the National People’s Army have fallen due to the fires, while 24 civilian casualties have been recorded.
Previously, the toll stood at 15. On Monday, the Interior Ministry announced that 97 fires had broken out across 16 states within the last 24 hours, resulting in the death of 15 individuals and injuries to 26 others.
The Algerian Ministry, in a statement, clarified that the fires have affected forests and agricultural crops. It noted that 1500 people had been evacuated from the affected areas.
The Ministry added that the states of Bejaia, Bouira, and Jijel, located in the north and east of Algeria, experienced the most extensive fires due to strong winds. Some of these extended to populated villages, resulting in 15 deaths and 26 injuries. In response, 1500 citizens were evacuated to prevent further casualties.
According to the statement, firefighting operations are still ongoing in 6 states in the east of the country, employing all necessary resources for extinguishing the fires, including firefighting helicopters.
