Chairperson of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat has offered its sincere condolences to Algeria over the deadly wildfires in the northern part of the country.
Media reports say at least 38 people have been killed and dozens more injured in forest fire fanned by a blistering heat wave.
At least 200 others have suffered burns and respiratory problems, according to Algerian media.
“I wish to express our sincere condolences to the families of the victims of the horrific fires in the east of Algeria,” said Mahamat in a tweet in a brief statement, while offering the AU’s sincere condolences to the victims of the wildfire.
He also voiced “full solidarity” with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, the government, and the people of Algeria, “with our prayers for a full recovery to the injured.”
Northern Algeria is affected by forest fires every year. Reports claim that 106 fires have broken out in Algeria since August, destroying 800 hectares of forest and 1,800 hectares of woodlands.
The latest blazes come during a summer that has seen a number of countries in the Mediterranean region ravaged by wildfires – particularly in Europe, with France, Greece, Portugal, Spain, and Italy all affected.
MG/abj/APA