Xi sends condolences over Algerian forest fires

President Xi Jinping sent a letter of condolence to Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune on Tuesday over the country's recent forest fires, which resulted in many deaths and injuries.

Xi said in the letter that on behalf of the Chinese government and people, he expressed deep condolences over the victims, and extended sincere sympathies to the bereaved families.

Algeria has been hit hard by wildfires, with at least 90 people killed last week, according to Agence France-Presse.

On Monday, the country's emergency services said that most of the deadly forest fires that swept across northern Algeria in the past week were under control and no longer endanger residents.

More than 90 people, including 33 soldiers, have been killed in dozens of wildfires in the North African country since Aug 9.

"Most of these fires have been brought under control and don't represent a danger to residents," fire service spokesman Colonel Farouk Achour said.

Firefighters had been struggling to put out 19 blazes in northern Algeria, according to emergency services. Six blazes were raging in Bejaia, three in El Tarf and two in Tizi Ouzou, the worst-hit province where entire villages were destroyed, the services said.

Algeria is Africa's biggest country by territory, although much of the interior is desert. The north has more than 4 million hectares of forest, which is hit every summer by fires.

Last year some 44,000 hectares went up in flames.

Several other Mediterranean countries have seen forest fires amid soaring temperatures in recent weeks, including Greece and Turkey.

Agencies contributed to this story.