At least 37 people have been killed and dozens more injured by wildfires in northern Algeria, with the blazes continuing to rage in numerous regions of the North African nation.
Residents have previously complained about a lack of government help and preparedness during Algeria’s annual and deadly wildfire season. On Wednesday, blazes destroyed fourteen provinces.
Near the northern Algerian-Tunisian border, in the province of El Tarf, where 34 individuals were found dead, were most of the casualties. The fatalities included a family of five discovered in their home and eight passengers on a public bus whose driver was stunned by flames in mountainous terrain.
Prime Minister Aymen Benabderrahmane stated, “The majority of the victims in El Tarf are holidaymakers who came to enjoy paradisiacal beaches and wonderful surroundings.”
On Thursday, he and numerous government officials came to El Tarf. The prime minister stated that the Algerian government would aid the victims’ families and pay for renovations and compensation for the loss of animals and beehives. The region is also recognized for its agricultural economy.
One individual passed away in Souk Ahras, south of El Tarf. About 300 kilometers (185 miles) east of the North African nation’s capital, Algiers, two other deaths were reported in the Setif region.
