Algeria: Major power outbreaks in the midst of heatwave
As Algeria is facing an intense heatwave, a technical issue resulted in a power outage in a vast part of the territory on the night of the 14th of July. According to Info.fr, 16 wilayas (regions)were left completely in the dark for the whole night due to a technical fault in an electric installation in Biskra. Electricity came back on a few hours later, but persistent electricity outages remain a major issue for the Algerian authorities.
The incident took place in the middle of an intense heatwave, with temperatures going over 40 degrees in multiple regions. Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb was present during the night at Sonelgaz’s headquarters to oversee the reestablishment of electricity in these regions.
Power outages are common in Algeria, particularly during the summer, as high temperatures put pressure on the electrical system and cables.
According to France24, Algeria has been dealing with more than 1000 fires due to the extreme heat and prolonged drought. At least one person died due to these fires, while the damage has been devastating, particularly for farmers. The National Office of Meteorology announced an even more violent heatwave in the next few days, putting the whole country in orange or red heatwave alerts. Temperatures will get to 48 degrees.
Authorities have mobilised 19000 agents as well as 700 trucks and 12 water bomber aircraft. In a preventive measure, residents in regions have been evacuated, while millions of hectares have been destroyed by the wildfires.
The 22nd of July saw a tragedy happen in the periphery of Algiers as an orphanage caught fire, taking 11 lives and leaving 19 victims. Authorities and firefighters arrived at the scene at 3 in the morning, while the Algerian Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb paid a visit to the victims being treated in hospital. The cause of the fire is unknown, but in a context of extreme heatwaves, the natural cause or facilitated start of the fire is not excluded.
Info.fr, France 24, TSA, Sud Ouest, Maghrebi.org
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