Algerian Radio
The Minister of the Interior, Local Communities, and Transport, Mr. Saïd Sayoud, reaffirmed on Thursday in Tlemcen the state's full solidarity with families affected by the forest fires.
Mr. Sayoud, who was accompanied by the Minister of Health, Mr. Mohamed Seddik Ait Messaoudene, the Minister of National Solidarity, Family and Women's Affairs, Mrs. Soraya Mouloudji, the Director General of Civil Protection, Colonel Boualem Bourelaf, as well as local authorities, told the press that his visit to the wilaya of Tlemcen was carried out under the instructions of the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune. The visit aimed to offer the state's condolences and convey those of the President of the Republic to the family of the late Mohamed Merah, a victim of the forest fires in the daira of Ouled Mimoun, while reiterating the state's full support to the affected families.
Mr. Sayoud added that the President of the Republic had ordered the setup of committees responsible for listing all damage and losses suffered by citizens, in order to assess them precisely and ensure support is provided as soon as possible, with a view to launching compensation operations before the upcoming social return, particularly for material damage.
The minister also indicated that he had met with several residents of the municipality of Ouled Mimoun during his visit, listened to their concerns, and assured them that these would be conveyed to the government for review and action under the best conditions.
On this occasion, Mr. Sayoud renewed his prayers for the victims of the forest fires and offered his sincere condolences to their relatives, stressing that the state will continue to accompany those affected by providing various forms of support and assistance.
Regarding the situation on the ground, the minister highlighted that it showed a notable improvement compared to previous days. All fires representing a threat to populations and property have been brought under control, and only a few residual hotspots remain, which response teams are still working to extinguish.
He specified that Algeria had recorded more than 160 fires between Thursday and Saturday across several wilayas, with some seeing more than half of their municipalities affected. The situation is now under control thanks to the total mobilization of the Civil Protection, the People's National Army, the various security forces, as well as the effective contribution of citizens.
Mr. Sayoud also expressed his warm thanks to the members of the Civil Protection, the People's National Army, local authorities, and security services, as well as citizens who participated in the firefighting operations and the protection of people and property.
Regarding the resources mobilized, the minister indicated that an aerial fleet of about 18 aircraft had been deployed, including 12 water bombers, two large aircraft belonging to the People's National Army, as well as several helicopters from the ANP and Civil Protection, which enhanced the effectiveness of interventions on the ground.
Finally, responding to the concerns of Ouled Mimoun residents regarding the project to construct a 60-bed hospital, Mr. Sayoud announced that the project study had been completed. The file will be submitted to the Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance to schedule the launch of works during the coming year.
