At least 12 killed as wildfires rage across several Algerian provinces

At least 12 people have been killed as wildfires rage across several provinces in Algeria, with the hardest-hit area being Bejaia province, where 36 fires were reported and 18 had been brought under control. The fires, which began amid a heatwave and strong winds, have forced evacuations and destroyed homes and farmland. Algerian authorities have deployed civil protection units and the military to combat the blazes, which have also affected other provinces including Tizi Ouzou and Bouira. The death toll is expected to rise as search and rescue operations continue. Wildfires are a recurring seasonal threat in Algeria's Mediterranean coastal regions, exacerbated by climate change and drought conditions. The government has not yet issued an official statement on the full extent of the damage, but local officials have called for international assistance.

Global Impact

The immediate impact is humanitarian, with at least 12 deaths and displacement of residents in several provinces, straining local emergency services. Economically, the fires will hit Algeria's agricultural sector, particularly in Bejaia, a key producer of olives and figs, potentially reducing export volumes and raising domestic food prices.