Twelve people have been killed in wildfires that swept through several Algerian provinces, Interior Minister Said Sayoud said late on Wednesday, amid a severe heatwave gripping North Africa.
The fatalities included five people in Jijel province, four in Bejaia and three in Tizi Ouzou.
Sayoud added that 54 people had suffered burn injuries, including six in critical condition who are currently in intensive care.
Algeria's civil protection services recorded 154 wildfires across the country on Wednesday. Thirty-six fires were reported in Bejaia province alone, of which 18 had been brought under control.
The fires come as an exceptional heatwave sweeps across North Africa, particularly Tunisia and Algeria.
Air traffic control issue disrupts flights at major UK airports
At least 73 injured after Houthi rebels attack Saudi civilian and energy facilities
UK, France and Canada sanction Israeli West Bank settlements
Suspect detained after sabotage attacks on Germany power grid
Nepal rescue focused on workers trapped in three tunnels
