Dozens of people, including 10 soldiers, have lost their lives in wildfires that have struck the Béjaïa and Bouïra regions of Algeria. The heatwave spreading across north Africa and southern Europe has exacerbated the situation. Approximately 8,000 firefighters are working to control the flames, and around 1,500 individuals have been evacuated. The Algerian interior ministry urged people to avoid affected areas and report any new fires. Wildfires are not uncommon during the summer in Algeria, but the severity has been amplified this year due to extreme weather conditions caused by the climate crisis. The Mediterranean region, including Algeria, is recognized as a climate crisis “hot spot,” with scientists predicting more frequent and severe disasters like heatwaves, floods, and wildfires.
