Nine Days of Search for Missing Firefighter in Algeria's Bouira

In Bouira, Algeria, the search for a missing firefighter entered its ninth day, with hundreds of volunteers joining the efforts to locate the victim. The firefighter was swept away by floodwaters in the 250-logements neighborhood. Despite challenging conditions, the mobilization of volunteers has not wavered and continues to grow. On Friday, following an appeal from the victim's brother, Moussa, volunteers flocked to various search zones.

The search zones span from the wastewater collector drain to the wadi and the Tilesdit dam. Overnight, firefighters took advantage of improved weather conditions to intensify their search operations. However, the strong current and force of the water significantly hinder the search efforts. To overcome these challenges, multiple teams of volunteers and civil protection elements are working together.

An appeal for mobilization was widely disseminated across the 48 wilayas on Friday, and Moussa expressed his gratitude to the Algerian citizens for their support. He urged them to remain mobilized, particularly the associations and the Algerian Red Crescent, to aid in the search efforts. Moussa also requested that false alerts be avoided, as they cause significant harm to his family.

During the night, search teams explored the city's canals, while mixed teams of volunteers and civil protection elements surveyed several areas along the D'hous river. In El Esnam, multiple excavators were used to create deviations in the wadi, allowing for the lowering of water levels and facilitating the search for the victim.

Throughout the day, volunteers continued to arrive at the search zones, while divers attempted to examine the wadi, the Tilesdit dam, and surrounding areas with dense vegetation. The presence of submerged trees, reeds, and other underwater obstacles poses a significant challenge to the search efforts.

The brother of the missing firefighter expressed his appreciation for the outpouring of support, stating that his family is already under immense strain due to the tragic circumstances. He emphasized the importance of accurate information and urged people to avoid spreading false alerts.

As the search operation continues, the Algerian community remains mobilized, with many citizens contributing to the efforts. The authorities and volunteers are working tirelessly to locate the missing firefighter, and the search efforts are expected to continue in the coming days.

Key points

• Hundreds of volunteers join search efforts for firefighter swept away by floodwaters in Bouira, Algeria.
• Search teams face challenges due to strong water currents and dense vegetation.
• Community mobilization continues, with calls for accurate information and avoidance of false alerts.