26th July, 2023
Algeria is trying to contain deadly forest fires along its Mediterranean coast on Tuesday, authorities said, adding that they had managed to control nearly four-fifths of the flames.
The fires had expanded to nearby Tunisia, aided by strong winds, prompting the closure of two border crossings.
This month has seen a relentless heatwave wreak havoc throughout the globe, with temperatures exceeding records in China, the United States, southern Europe, and North Africa, leaving a trail of misery in its wake.
For the past week, Greece has been battling forest fires, forcing thousands of tourists to flee its most popular vacation spots.
On Monday, fires raged through Algeria’s numerous provinces, destroying woods, olive groves, and low-lying shrubland. More than 8,000 firefighters were dispatched to extinguish the flames.
On Tuesday, Algerian civil protection agencies reported 15 fires raging in eight localities, including Skikda, Jijel, Bouira, Bejaia, Tebessa, Medea, Setif, and El Tarf.
Ten of the 34 victims reported on Monday were servicemen. Authorities reported they had evacuated 1,500 people from their houses.
Temperatures over 49 degrees Celsius (120 degrees Fahrenheit) were recorded in numerous Tunisian cities this week.
Civil protection troops were assisting forestry workers and the air force in putting out flames in numerous parts of Tabarka in the northwest, bordering Algeria.
Moez Tria, a spokesperson for Tunisian civil protection, said the aim was to safeguard residential settlements in the area and keep the fire from reaching an airport nearby.
Fires also broke out in other parts of the country, including Bizerte, Beja, and Siliana.
Reuters/NAN