Algiers, Wildfires raging in the forests of eastern Algeria have killed 26 people, according to a report released by an Algerian official.

Most victims were reported in the Wilaya of El Tarf, near the northern Algerian-Tunisian border, where 24 people have been found dead, including eight of them on a public bus that was surprised by the flames as it was driving in a mountainous region.

As many as 39 fires have started in 14 regions and 3,200 hectares of forests and brush have been ravaged by blazes since the beginning of August, the Associated Press reported.

Source: Oman News Agency