No fewer than fifteen people have reportedly died as a result of a raging wildfire across Algeria during a heat wave on Monday.
According to the interior ministry, 97 fires across 16 provinces, fueled by strong winds, were reported as temperatures in parts of North Africa reached 48 degrees Celsius (118 degrees Fahrenheit).
The fires injured 26 people and raged across residential neighborhoods, according to the report, which added that the majority had been extinguished.
According to the authorities, 1,500 people were evacuated from the eastern Algiers provinces of Bejaia, Bouira, and Jijel.
The flames have been most severe in three areas along Algeria’s Mediterranean coast.
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune extended condolences to the families of the deceased on Monday, mentioning both civilian and military victims.
According to the interior ministry, 7,500 firefighters and 350 firetrucks were dispatched to combat the fire, which was helped by aircraft firefighting support.
It stated that operations to suppress flames were underway in six provinces, urging inhabitants to “avoid areas affected by the fires” and to report fresh blazes via toll-free phone lines.
“Civil protection services remain mobilized until the fires are completely extinguished,” the ministry said.According to civil protection officials, 15 wildfires were put out late Sunday in the northeastern region of Tizi Ouzou.