Wildfires in numerous parts of Algeria have reportedly killed more than 65 people, including 28 soldiers who were deployed to settle the fires for damage control.
One of Algeria’s private media channels reported that acute high temperatures were recorded in the areas surrounding the fire, going over 48 degrees Celsius. While, wildfires are not unusual for the area, with fires occurring every year, this outbreak has been one of the most pervasive in the history of the region.
With dozens of fires starting up all over the country on Monday, and majorly affecting many of Kabyle villages incinerating chickens, cattle, and bunches of olive trees. It was suspected by the Interior Minister, Kamel Beldjoud that arsonists might be behind igniting these fires but produced no evidence, as he said “Only criminal hands can be behind the simultaneous outbreak of about 50 fires across several localities.”
People of Tizi Ouzou were the worst hit and had tried to settle the fires using sticks made brooms, and throwing water brought from their homes. As the fires got worse the infrastructure burned and people had to evacuate and take temporary residence in hotels, university, and college accommodations. The government has promised to compensate those affected.
This is not the only country facing this disaster, according to the European Union atmosphere monitor a massive heatwave has enveloped the Mediterranean, leading to atrocious wildfires across Turkey, Greece, and Algeria. The United Nations climate panel warned this week that the world was on the verge of disastrous runaway warming.
