Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune announced a three-day national mourning period on Thursday following deadly wildfires in the northeast of the country that have claimed at least 12 lives and injured dozens more. The fires, which began over the previous 24 hours, have severely affected several provinces, with 54 people currently hospitalized for burn injuries, including six in serious condition.

According to Interior Minister Said Sayoud, the fatalities include five individuals in Jijel province, four in Bejaia, and three in Tizi Ouzou. The Algerian civil protection agency reported that, as of Thursday morning, 46 out of 193 wildfires recorded in the previous day remained active.

The fires have disrupted transportation, prompting the closure of three major roads connecting eastern cities, including Bejaia, Jijel, and Setif. Video footage circulating online showed extensive flames engulfing forested areas and trapping residents, though the authenticity of the videos has not been independently confirmed.

Wildfires are a recurring challenge in northern Algeria during the summer months. However, experts suggest that climate change is contributing to more frequent and intense fires by increasing drought conditions and heatwaves. Algeria experienced a similar crisis last year when wildfires in Bejaia and surrounding regions resulted in more than 30 deaths and widespread destruction of homes, farmland, and forests.

This summer has seen an unusually high number of fires, with authorities documenting nearly 2,000 incidents nationwide in July alone. This latest outbreak underscores ongoing concerns about the country's vulnerability to natural disasters exacerbated by climatic shifts. Authorities continue to mobilize resources to contain the fires and provide assistance to affected communities.