38 dead as forest fires spread in northern Algeria

 

At least 38 people have died as a result of fires in northern Algeria, as firefighters have been battling a string of blazes, fanned by drought and a blistering heatwave.

Deadly forest fires have become an annual scourge in the North African country, which is facing the harsh realities of climate change.

According to multiple sources, including local journalists and the fire service, at least 38 people have been killed, mostly in the El Tarf region near Algeria's eastern border with Tunisia which experienced 48 degrees heat.

At least 200 more people have suffered burns or respiratory problems from the smoke, according to local media.