North Africa: Heatwave Hits North Africa, With Power Cuts in Tunisia and Wildfires in Algeria

A severe heatwave is currently impacting North Africa and parts of Southern Europe, leading to critical infrastructure challenges and public safety concerns. In Tunisia, temperatures have reached 49C, resulting in widespread, prolonged power outages that have exacerbated the strain on the population. Meanwhile, in neighboring Algeria, authorities report that more than 100 people have been hospitalized due to wildfires triggered by the extreme conditions.

The environmental crisis extends to the Iberian Peninsula, where mainland Portugal is under the highest level of wildfire alert. The combination of soaring temperatures and dry conditions has created a dangerous environment, prompting officials to heighten vigilance across the region. These concurrent events highlight the significant impact of the ongoing heatwave on both public health and emergency services across the Mediterranean and North African territories.