The mountainous regions of Béjaïa and Bouïra in Algeria have been devastated by wildfires, resulting in the tragic loss of 34 lives, including 10 soldiers, The Guardian reported on July 24. The fires have been spreading amidst a heatwave that is affecting both north Africa and southern Europe.
Approximately 8,000 firefighters are tirelessly working to control the flames, and about 1,500 people have been evacuated to safety. The Algerian interior ministry is conducting operations to extinguish fires in six provinces and has urged the public to avoid affected areas and report new blazes.
This year's wildfires have been intensified by the ongoing climate crisis, which is amplifying extreme weather events worldwide. The Mediterranean region, including Algeria, is considered a climate crisis "hot spot," and the increased frequency of heatwaves, floods, and wildfires is causing more frequent and severe disasters.
Last year, Algeria faced a similar wildfire catastrophe in the north-east El Tarf province, where 37 people lost their lives. The previous summer saw 90 fatalities due to wildfires. In response to these tragedies, the Algerian authorities implemented several measures ahead of peak summer heat, such as acquiring water bombing aircraft and constructing landing strips for firefighting operations.
Across north African countries, including Morocco and Libya, temperatures were relatively normal compared to annual averages. However, Tunisia experienced near 50°C temperatures, leading to planned power cuts to preserve the electricity network's performance.
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