Algerian wildfires kill at least 12, rescue efforts continue amid destruction

At least 12 people have died in a series of wildfires that have scorched the northeast of Algeria, with the death toll expected to climb as rescue teams continue to search for survivors. The blazes, which began on Saturday, have destroyed homes, farms and entire villages in the provinces of Constantine, Skikda and Souk Ahras. Survivors say “nothing is left” of their towns, and the flames have turned once‑lush forests into ash‑covered plains.

The fires are part of a wider pattern of extreme heat and severe drought that has plagued the Maghreb this spring. Satellite data show that temperatures in the region have topped 40 °C (104 °F) for several days, while rainfall has fallen to less than a tenth of the average. The Ministry of Environment reports that the region’s forests have lost 30 % of their canopy cover over the past decade, making them highly vulnerable to ignition. Local farmers blame the lack of water and the government’s slow response to drought relief for the scale of the disaster.

The Algerian government has deployed the army, civil defence units and several firefighting brigades to the affected areas. Prime Minister Ahmed Benbitour announced a national emergency on Monday and pledged an emergency budget of 2 billion dinars (about 14 million USD) for firefighting, medical care and temporary shelters. International aid agencies, including the Red Crescent and the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, have offered to send additional equipment and medical teams. Residents report that the fire fronts are moving rapidly, and the authorities warn that the next 48 hours will be critical for containment.

In the coming days, the focus will shift to stabilising the fire lines and providing basic services to displaced families. The Ministry of Interior has set up a coordination centre in Algiers to streamline relief efforts. Experts say that long‑term solutions will require reforestation, stricter land‑use regulations and investment in early‑warning systems. As the country watches the flames, the disaster underscores the growing threat of climate‑related emergencies in North Africa and the urgent need for coordinated action.