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Forest fires in the forested mountains of northern Algeria have killed at least 65 people since Monday, according to Algerian state media. Greece and Turkey.
Although the army was deployed to respond to the fires, local media reported that at least 86 fires in 17 different provinces of the country have not yet been brought under control. Wednesday’s updated death toll rose from 42 soldiers and civilians on Tuesday. Among the dead are 28 soldiers who participated in the firefighting efforts.
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune declared three days of national mourning for those who lost their lives. Algerian media released images showing the crowds of citizens traveling to help towns and cities where the fires broke out, showing solidarity with the affected areas.
The government claimed on Tuesday that the fires were the work of arsonists without showing any evidence, and authorities said they had arrested and questioned three people in connection with the fires in cities, including Medea and Annaba.
But Algeria is experiencing a heatwave with severe winds, similar to the situation in the northern Mediterranean, which has helped intensify forest fires in other parts of Europe.
Temperatures in Tizi Ouzou, the area worst hit ever by this week’s fires, where most of the deaths occurred, are expected to reach 116 degrees Fahrenheit this week.
Flames first broke out in mountain forests and villages in eastern Algeria on Monday and spread through the country’s Berber region, devastating homes, orchards and livestock.
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