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Morocco: Two people killed as wildfires ravage country

Four people have died in fires since mid-July as the north of the kingdom struggles to contain fires
A Moroccan soldier reacts next to a forest fire near Ksar el-Kebir in the Larache region, on 15 July 15, 2022. (AFP)
A Moroccan soldier next to a forest fire near Ksar el-Kebir in the Larache region, on 15 July 2022 (AFP)
Par MEE staff

Two more people have died as a result of wildfires in Morocco as flames continue to blaze across the drought-stricken north African country.

Authorities said on Tuesday that the two women died from smoke inhalation in the northern Larache province, according to AFP. 

It brings to four the total number of deaths in the region because of the fires. Dry conditions and a severe heatwave have been causing brutal blazes since mid-July.

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A volunteer firefighter was killed on Monday in a forest fire in the northern province of Tanouate, while another was injured.

One other person died in Larache in mid-July.

The heatwaves that hit much of the world earlier this month have had a brutal effect on Morocco, including exacerbating already severe drought conditions.

Since Monday, 536 families have been evacuated from 11 villages. 

Thousands of acres of forest have also been destroyed over the past month by the flames.

Climate change is seen as a major cause of these wildfires, with experts warning that such blazes could soon be commonplace in summer unless further action is taken.

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