Attachments
Description of the Event
What happened, where and when?
Around 35 wildfires have been rapidly spreading across the northeastern region of Algeria in more than 11 regions since July 24th causing extensive devastation. The disaster has had a profound impact on 6,000 families, with the Algerian Government reporting 34 confirmed deaths. The affected population heavily relies on crops and livestock, both of which have been severely impacted by the wildfires, resulting in further hardships for the communities. Many homes have been reduced to ashes, leaving families displaced and vulnerable. The dire situation has also affected the health of the population, as the flames and smoke have led to thousands of injuries. The magnitude of the disaster requires urgent attention and support to address the immediate needs of those affected. However, the prevailing weather conditions remain a cause for concern. With temperatures exceeding 45 degrees Celsius and wind speeds exceeding 50 km/h on the Tunisian borders, coupled with low humidity, the conditions continue to favor the expansion and intensification of the wildfires.
Scope and Scale
Algeria has been exposed to heat waves for over 60 days, extreme weather patterns with temperatures exceeding 45°C in June and 50°C in July. The country was expected to witness local fires because of the weather conditions and severe summer season. Additional factors have turned local fires into uncontrollable wildfires in the 3rd week of July. The public prosecutor of Bejaia ordered an investigation into the causes of the fires and possible perpetrators. Investigations have not been concluded yet.
The wildfires have reached several wilayas of the northeast, the most affected being: Bejaïa, Skikda, Tizi ouzou, Bouira, Jijel, Boumerdes. A total of 30,000 people were affected by the wildfires. So far, at least 34 deaths were registered by the Algerian government and more than 700 people were injured.
Homes, livestock and crops were heavily affected, which directly impacted the well-being of the population, elderly people, children. The national society's assessment is still on going to assess the magnitude of the affects of this event. Further information will be provided in the reports to be submitted at a later stage.
At the time of submitting this request, a total of 3,880 people are currently being sheltered in the evacuation centers while the rest of the people are either in tents provided by the national society or have decided to relocate to stay with relatives.
Wind speed and humidity level are critical factors that influence the behavior and spread of wildfires. Wind is one of the most influential factors in wildfire behavior. It affects wildfires spreading by increasing the rate at which a fire can spread. Additionally, it affects the intensity making it burn hotter and more intensely.
On the other hand, humidity also triggers stronger and more devastating wildfires. It influences fire behavior as low humidity levels contribute to more aggressive fire behavior. When humidity is low, fires burn at higher temperatures and are more challenging to control.
Algeria is currently exposed to a heat wave with an average temperature exceeding 45°C, the wind speed is exceeding 40 km/hour, with low humidity.
Wildfires are currently active in Northern Western Algeria, where the temperature is exceeding 45°C and the wind speed is exceeding 30 km/h and with very low humidity. All factors favorize the expansion of the wildfires and their intensity.