Algeria covers wells after death of Moroccan child

ALGIERS, Algeria

Algerian authorities have launched a campaign to cover wells nationwide, in the wake of the death of a 5-year-old boy in neighboring Morocco.

In a statement, local authorities in the eastern M’sila state urged well owners to take necessary measures to secure and cover their wells.

“Violators will face deterrent measures and will be held accountable for any future incident,” the statement warned.

In December 2018, an Algerian youth died in a 30-meter-deep well where he remained trapped for nine days.

Last week, Moroccan child Rayan Awram died in a 32-meter-deep well in northern Morocco after he remained trapped for five days. Rescuers managed to retrieve his body on Saturday in a tragedy that brought wide sympathy around the world.

* Writing by Bassel Barakat