Wildfires sweeping northeastern Algeria kill at least 12 people and leave dozens injured, with authorities battling more than 150 fires during a severe heatwave. Several reports describe deaths and injuries occurring across multiple provinces, with some victims in critical condition as firefighters continue operations.
Al Jazeera and other outlets say the wildfire death toll is expected to rise, citing survivor accounts and ongoing response efforts. RFI reports Algeria enters a second day of national mourning while firefighting continues. Reuters, via Daily Maverick, quotes Algeria’s interior minister as giving the confirmed death toll late Wednesday.
Different outlets emphasize related context: France 24 highlights that six of the 54 injured are in critical condition and intensive care, while NDTV focuses on the broader pattern of summer forest fires in northern Algeria and points to climate change-linked increases in drought and intense heat. BBC Sport and others add that severe heatwaves across North Africa this summer are contributing to the large number of fires.
