Over 150 vegetation fires have been recorded across several provinces as authorities evacuate families.
As of Friday, at least 12 people have been killed in wildfires that swept three provinces in northeastern Algeria, according to Interior Minister Said Sayoud.
RELATED:
Dismantled in Algeria an International Network Dedicated to Economic Crimes
The fatalities included five people in Jijel province, four in Bejaia and three in Tizi Ouzou, Sayoud said during a visit to Bejaia province, about 270 kilometers east of the capital, Algiers.
On the instructions of Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Sayoud visited Bejaia with Health Minister Mohamed Seddik Ait Messaouden to oversee firefighting efforts and check on the injured.
At least 159 vegetation fires had been recorded across several provinces, with 90 extinguished and 69 still active. Bejaia reported the highest number of active fires, with 18, followed by Skikda with 13, Tizi Ouzou with 12 and Jijel with seven.
Tourists trapped as wildfires surround a beach in Jijel, Algeria.
Dozens of residents and beachgoers reportedly issued desperate calls for help after flames and thick smoke surrounded them at Taza Beach, as intense wildfires swept through the area. pic.twitter.com/OQ3zpy0UJY
— Sahby Mehalla | مهالة صحبي (@sahbymehalla) August 28, 2026
Several families were also evacuated as a precaution after wildfires approached residential areas. The North African nation has faced recurring wildfires in recent months, which have killed more than 20 people and destroyed forests, farmland and homes.
On Friday, Cuban Foreign Affairs Minister Bruno Rodriguez expressed the condolences to Algeria for the victims and damage caused by the wildfires spreading across the Jijel, Bejaia and Tizi Ouzou wilayas in the northeast of the country.
The fires in Algeria intensified in an unusual and unexpected manner. Authorities evacuated an undetermined number of homes because of an unexpected change in wind direction that pushed the flames toward populated areas. Several structures were burned or sustained “serious” structural damage.
teleSUR/ JF
Sources: Xinhua – EFE
From teleSUR English via This RSS Feed.