Algerian Firefighter's Body Remains Unfound After 7 Days of Search

The search for Algerian firefighter Mohamed Achour, who was swept away by floodwaters on Thursday, has entered its seventh day. Despite an extensive search operation, his body remains unfound. The search plan has been modified, with efforts now focused on the area near the Bourouba Said stadium. Divers have been scouring the banks of the Oued D'hous, while teams from the Civil Protection have been working to clear the bitumen covering the sewage ducts.

The search operation has been hindered by heavy rainfall, which has caused the water level in the Oued D'hous and sewage canals to rise. On Saturday, teams of divers continued to search for Achour's body, while others inspected the drainage system. The Civil Protection teams have been working to clear blocked sewage canals and inspect the pipes. A large crowd of onlookers gathered at the scene, following reports that a self-proclaimed "medium" from M'sila claimed that Achour's body was buried in the area.

The search efforts have been extensive, with over 800 Civil Protection personnel mobilized, including 60 divers and nearly 20 cynotechnical dogs. The teams have been working in challenging conditions, with the floodwaters and debris making it difficult to navigate. According to Raouf Rahmani, spokesperson for the Bouira Civil Protection Directorate, the search operation has been hampered by the heavy rainfall and rising water levels.

The search operation has been focused on a 6-kilometer stretch of the Oued D'hous, with teams working in shifts to cover the area. The Civil Protection teams have been inspecting the sewage canals, drainage pipes, and waterways, in an effort to locate Achour's body. The search efforts have been ongoing since Thursday, with citizens and associations providing support and hot meals to the rescue teams.

The Algerian authorities have mobilized significant resources to support the search operation, with teams working around the clock to locate Achour's body. The search efforts have been concentrated in the third sector, near the Tilesdit dam in the El Esnam commune. Despite the challenges posed by the floodwaters and debris, the rescue teams remain determined to locate Achour's body.

The local community has rallied around the search operation, providing support and assistance to the rescue teams. Citizens and associations have been providing hot meals and other essential items to the teams, who have been working tirelessly to locate Achour's body. The outpouring of support has been significant, with many people turning out to offer assistance.

The search operation is expected to continue, with the authorities determined to locate Achour's body. The Civil Protection teams will continue to work in challenging conditions, using specialized equipment and techniques to scour the area. The cause of the flooding that swept Achour away is still being investigated, but the focus remains on locating his body and providing closure for his family and colleagues.

Key points

• Over 800 Civil Protection personnel are involved in the search operation.
• The search efforts have been hindered by heavy rainfall and rising water levels.
• The local community has rallied around the search operation, providing significant support and assistance.