Heatwave fuels wildfires across Algeria, emergency crews battle blazes

Algeria's emergency teams are engaged in a fierce battle against nearly 70 wildfires that have ignited across the country in recent days. A severe heatwave, with temperatures reaching up to 49 degrees Celsius in some areas, is fanning the flames and exacerbating the crisis. The General Directorate of Civil Protection announced on Sunday that over 40 of these blazes are now under control, though firefighting operations continue. The fires have spread across nine of the nation's provinces, with the Skikda region on the Mediterranean coast being particularly hard-hit. Military aircraft and helicopters have been deployed to support ground crews in their efforts. The impact extends beyond forests, with agricultural lands and palm groves also suffering damage. Algerian authorities have reported no casualties related to the fires. Meteorologists predict the heatwave will persist for several more days, complicating containment efforts.