July 25th 2023.
Tragedy has struck Algeria as wildfires rage across the country. At least 25 people have been killed, including 10 soldiers who were attempting to bring the fires under control in a resort area close to the capital of Algiers. An additional 25 soldiers were injured in the process.
Interior ministry officials have reported that 15 civilians have died and 24 have been injured, though it is unclear when the deaths occurred. A massive effort to contain the spread has been launched, with 7,500 firefighters and 350 fire engines on the ground, as well as air support. Evacuations have taken place, but the government has yet to provide details of where people were moved from.
The largest and most devastating fires have affected the areas of Bejaia and Jijel in the Kabyle region east of Algiers, and Bouira, 60 miles south-east of Algiers. Unfortunately, these are not the first fires to ravage this region. Last August 37 people were killed in wildfires near the border with Tunisia, and in 2021 dozens were killed in fires in the Kabyle region.
It is heartbreaking to see the destruction these fires have caused. Our thoughts are with the families of those who have lost their lives, as well as all those who have been affected by this tragedy.
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