Algerian civil defence retrieves body of 10-year-old from well in el‑Bayadh

A child was discovered dead on Monday in the western Algerian province of El Bayadh after a four‑day search operation that involved local fire services, police and volunteers. The child, whose identity has not been released, was missing when a landslide triggered by heavy rain swept through a remote mountainous area near the town of Sidi Ali. Rescue teams began the effort on Saturday, combing the terrain with dogs and helicopters before locating the body on Sunday afternoon.

Authorities said the operation was halted after the discovery and that a forensic examination will be conducted to determine the cause of death. The provincial governor, Mohamed Boudiaf, expressed condolences to the family and confirmed that an investigation is underway to assess whether the incident was related to the recent weather conditions. The incident underscores the challenges faced by emergency services in remote regions of Algeria.