Heavy disaster in Algeria: dozens perished in massive forest fires
At least 73 people were killed in one town, including 21 members of one family. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune claimed that "criminal hands" might be behind the blazes. Search efforts for additional victims continue.
The climate crisis is hitting North Africa: a heavy disaster occurred over the weekend in Algeria, where dozens of people perished in massive forest fires in the northeast of the country.
Against this backdrop, it appears that the Algerian leadership is not fully grasping the climate dangers, instead pointing an accusing finger at other factors. The country's president, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, said on Saturday that "criminal hands" might be behind the fires.
Tebboune noted that an investigation is underway to determine the circumstances of the incident. During a visit to wounded people in a local hospital, the president stated:
"It is true that the wind speed reached 100 km/h and prevented firefighting planes from intervening, but I believe there is a criminal element."
Meanwhile, aerial photographs showed large areas of forests engulfed in flames. The fires broke out, among other places, in the Jijel province, which is normally considered a tourist pearl with spectacular beaches. Residents are now beginning to recover from the disaster. Just last Friday, the funerals of 39 victims were held.
In the town of Beni Habibi, authorities reported at least 73 people perished in the fires. The final death toll is expected to be higher as search efforts continue. According to the German news agency DPA, 21 members of one family were among the victims in this town. Witnesses reported that some individuals were killed while trying to escape their homes or save their livestock and agricultural crops.
