Algeria wildfires destroy homes and livelihoods as 12 people die
Wildfires have killed 12 people and destroyed homes and livelihoods across Algeria, with dozens of blazes still burning in several provinces.
Footage filmed on Thursday, August 27, shows thick smoke and flames engulfing parts of Texenna in northern Jijel province, where homes, pastures and livestock were destroyed. Residents described fleeing the fires and losing their homes and sources of income. Mohammed Wattas, said his home, livestock and even his guard dog were lost in the flames.
Algeria's Civil Protection Agency reported 193 fires across 13 provinces, including 46 that remained active and 147 that had been extinguished. Interior Minister Said Sayoud said 12 people had died, five in Jijel, four in Bejaia and three in Tizi Ouzou, and described the toll as “very heavy”. Authorities have launched investigations into the causes of the fires, while President Abdelmadjid Tebboune declared three days of national mourning.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
