Supervisor Elham AbolFateh
Editor in Chief Mohamed Wadie

Tunisian Families Evacuated as Wildfires Sweep Through


Mon 28 Aug 2023 | 11:14 PM
By Ahmad El-Assasy

In a swift response to escalating wildfires, Tunisian civil protection teams evacuated 11 families from the village of Al-Abayyadia in the Jendouba governorate late Sunday into Monday. Amidst growing concerns, the civil protection teams ensured the safe removal of residents, livestock, and gas canisters from their homes to mitigate potential losses. The fires, which broke out on Sunday, simultaneously raged in the areas of Fernana, Aïn Draham, and Bsalem, all within the Jendouba governorate. This region encompasses vast stretches of highlands and forests, grappling with scorching temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius.

The civil protection authority stated that exceptionally strong winds exacerbated the spread of the fires, leading to their rapid expansion. Their statement emphasized ongoing efforts to minimize the catastrophe's toll as efficiently as possible. Jendouba, located in the western part of the country, has suffered the most significant impact from this year's wave of wildfires, which have swept across Tunisia amidst record-breaking temperatures.

These wildfires have served as a grim reminder of the environmental challenges Tunisia faces, underscoring the urgency of effective measures to combat and prevent such natural disasters. As the Tunisian authorities deploy resources to quell the fires and aid affected communities, the nation grapples with the implications of climate change and its ramifications for both the local population and the wider global community.

The response to this crisis highlights the importance of investing in disaster preparedness and sustainable practices to protect Tunisia's unique landscapes and ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens. The wildfires serve as a call to action for enhanced collaboration, both domestically and internationally, to address the escalating climate-related challenges that continue to impact nations around the world."