Algeria

18 June 2025

In 2025, Sahrawi refugees continue to have intense needs. 173,600 refugees have been living in five camps near Tindouf province for nearly 50 years. Their main needs include food, healthcare, education, shelter, and livelihood support. Severe food insecurity rose from 1.5% to 6.5% in 2024, and 90% of households resorted to coping strategies with harmful consequences. These include reducing meal portions, skipping meals, taking on debt, and selling essential assets, such as livestock. Nearly 38% rely on emergency coping strategies that could have long-term impacts on their health and wellbeing. Extreme weather further strains living conditions. Floods in September 2024 displaced 3,200 people in Dakhla camp and damaged homes, schools, and public infrastructure, worsening an already harsh desert environment with deteriorating shelters and limited services. Coordination with Algerian authorities has improved humanitarian access, but funding shortfalls limit coverage, especially for food, health, and protection. (UNHCR et al. 06/05/2025, BBC 18/03/2025, MPI 20/11/2024)

07 August 2023

A series of wildfires since 24 July 2023 have affected over 30,000 people (6,000 households). About 35 wildfires have affected 11 regions in the northeastern parts of the country, killing at least 34 people and injuring 700. The most affected provinces are Bejaïa, Bouira, Boumerdes, Jijel, Skikda, and Tizi Ouzou. The fire has also severely affected livestock and crops, affecting people’s livelihoods and income. The smoke and ash from the fire have led to poor air quality and health problems. The Government has provided tents, water, and other assistance to the displaced people, but many still need shelter, WASH, and healthcare services besides livelihoods assistance. Extreme heat (temperatures reaching 45–50° C), increasing wind speed, and low humidity are contributing to the spread of the fires. (IFRC 07/08/2023, Phys.org 24/07/2023, Sky News Arabia 25/07/2023)