Sayoud: Wildfire Compensation to Cover Agricultural Losses, Homes and Property Damage

Sayoud: Wildfire Compensation to Cover Agricultural Losses, Homes and Property Damage

Interior Minister Saïd Sayoud said compensation for victims of Algeria’s recent wildfires will cover agricultural losses, damaged homes and personal property, with payments to be completed before the start of the new school year under instructions from President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.

BY Dr. Hana Saada

ALGIERS — Interior Minister Saïd Sayoud said compensation for victims of the recent wildfires will cover losses to agricultural crops, homes, furniture and other personal property during a visit to the eastern province of Sétif late Thursday.

After offering condolences to the families of two wildfire victims in the village of Tichi, in Beni Mouhli municipality, Sayoud said President Abdelmadjid Tebboune had instructed provincial governors to launch a nationwide assessment of all damage caused by the fires.

The minister said compensation would cover all categories of losses, including damage to agricultural production, residential property and household belongings.

He reiterated that affected families would receive compensation before the start of the new school year, adding that the state remained committed to providing both financial assistance and humanitarian support to those impacted by the disaster.

The visit was attended by Health Minister Mohamed Seghir Aït Messaoudane, National Solidarity Minister Soraya Mouloudji, and Civil Protection Director General Colonel Boualem Boughelaf.

Sayoud praised the efforts of local authorities, emergency services, civil society organisations and volunteers involved in firefighting operations, saying coordination would continue until all remaining wildfire hotspots had been fully extinguished.

The ministerial delegation also launched a humanitarian and medical aid convoy carrying clothing, blankets, food parcels and medical equipment, including wheelchairs and blood pressure monitors, for communities affected by the fires.

The initiative was organised by the Directorate of Social Action and Solidarity, in coordination with provincial authorities, the Social Development Agency, and regional solidarity units from the provinces of Sétif, Bordj Bou Arréridj and Béjaïa.

During the visit, Sayoud met residents of Beni Mouhli, listened to their concerns and pledged that the government would address their needs.