In the area between Tabarka and Melloula, a Tunisian coastal village that had to evacuate 300 people due to wildfires, I encountered numerous cars parked outside Adil El Selmy's eco-friendly restaurant.

In a show of support, people had hurriedly gathered to stand in solidarity with the owner, whose eatery had been completely destroyed by the devastating fires that are wreaking havoc in this region along the border with Algeria.

"We left the restaurant as the flames approached," Mr Selmy says.

The recent unprecedented heatwave in Tabarka had a detrimental impact on the water supply, further complicating the situation for those combating the fires.

have come to commiserate with Adil El Selmy, who employed 22 people at his restaurant

"We couldn't douse flames, hours after the wooden building was devastated,” Mr Selmi told me, looking deeply afflicted.

The devastated restaurant, which typically offers a view of the sea, is now obscured by a thick haze of smoke blanketing the area, making it difficult to see the Mediterranean.

On Monday, temperatures soared to 48°C (118°F) in certain parts of North Africa.