Algerian president Abdelmadjid Tebboune has declared three days of national mourning beginning on Thursday after a number of citizens among civilians and soldiers perished in forest fires that ravaged several regions of the country, the presidency announced in a statement.
“After the death of a number of citizens among civilians and soldiers, following the fires that ravaged some wilayas of the country, the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune has decreed a national mourning of three days from Thursday, August 12, 2021 with a temporary suspension of governmental and local activities, except for solidarity actions,” the statement noted.
More than 65 people died in the fires that broke out on Monday in several wilayas of the country.
Most of the victims were in the wilaya of Tizi-Ouzou.
Among the dead were 37 civilians and 28 soldiers.
The death toll is likely to rise further, as a further 13 soldiers injured in the fires are in serious condition.
Civilians who suffered third-degree burns are also in hospital fighting for their lives.
HA/lb/as/APA