A landslide struck the western Algerian coastal city of Oran late Saturday, claiming the lives of four people and injuring thirteen others, authorities reported on Sunday.
The disaster hit the Hai Essanouber district, a densely populated area of the city. According to the civil defence agency, the victims included two children and two adults, aged between five and 43 years. The injured, who sustained a range of injuries, were between the ages of 12 and 75. Emergency teams responded quickly to the scene, providing medical assistance and transporting the wounded to nearby hospitals.
The interior ministry confirmed that the landslide caused the collapse of five tin-roofed houses, which were likely to have been particularly vulnerable to heavy rains or soil instability. While the ministry did not specify the exact cause of the landslide, no further missing persons were reported, and officials stated that the casualty figures were final.
Rescue operations concluded Sunday morning, and municipal teams have begun clearing debris and assessing the damage. Authorities said they would investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and examine the stability of surrounding areas to prevent future tragedies.
Landslides are relatively rare but not unheard of in parts of Algeria, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall or due to poor construction in informal settlements. Officials urged residents living in precarious structures to exercise caution, especially during the current season when the risk of soil movements is higher.