The Protection civile in Béjaïa, Algeria, has released its 2018 report, highlighting a decrease in interventions, noyades, and forest fires. In 2018, the Protection civile conducted 36,154 interventions, a slight decrease from 36,247 in 2017. Of these interventions, 8,404 were on beaches and 27,750 were off beaches. The decrease in interventions is a positive trend, indicating a reduction in emergencies.
The Protection civile responded to 1,768 accidents, resulting in 43 deaths and 2,086 injuries. In comparison, 2017 saw 66 deaths from road accidents. The Protection civile also evacuated 126 deceased, 2,672 injured, and 12,120 sick to health structures through 14,940 interventions. This data suggests that road safety has improved in Béjaïa.
During the 2018 summer season, the Protection civile recorded 3,518 rescues from certain noyades across 34 authorized beaches. A total of 5,078,000 beachgoers were recorded, almost half the number in 2017. The Protection civile conducted 8,404 interventions on beaches, with 14 noyades resulting in death, a decrease from 22 in 2017. Additionally, 4,231 people received medical care on beaches, and 283 were transferred to care centers.
The Protection civile also responded to 2,050 incidents of forest fires, resulting in 1,630 fires and 24 injuries. Of these fires, 99 occurred in urban areas, 12 in industrial areas, and 692 in forest areas. The remaining fires involved vehicles, machinery, or other incidents. The data indicates a significant decrease in forest fires compared to 2017.
From June to October 2018, 638 forest fires were recorded, destroying 271 hectares of vegetation, 2,049 fruit trees, and 558 bales of hay or straw. The number of significant fires recorded during this period was 49, consuming 1 hectare of vegetation. This is a substantial decrease from 2017, when 1,103 fires were recorded, including 186 significant ones that ravaged 4,095.2 hectares of vegetation.
The 2018 data indicates that campaigns launched by the Protection civile, in collaboration with associations and institutions, have contributed to limiting damage. The decrease in accidents and forest fires is a positive trend, suggesting that public awareness efforts are having an impact. The Protection civile's efforts to promote road safety and forest protection are crucial in reducing risks.
Overall, 2018 was a less dramatic year for Béjaïa in terms of accidents and forest fires. The data highlights the importance of continued public awareness campaigns and collaboration between authorities and associations to promote safety and protect the environment. The Protection civile's work in responding to emergencies and promoting safety is essential in reducing risks and protecting the community.
Key points
- 14 noyades were recorded in Béjaïa in 2018, a decrease from 22 in 2017.
- 638 forest fires were recorded in Béjaïa from June to October 2018, destroying 271 hectares of vegetation.
- The Protection civile conducted 36,154 interventions in 2018, a slight decrease from 36,247 in 2017.
