Abstract of Nuclear Testing in Algeria


Nuclear Testing in Reggane, Algeria




Nuclear Testing in In Ekker, Algeria

Abundant Sahara









End


Back to Main Page

Contaminated Groundwater

Soldiers Washing Vehicles


Photographs by Raymond Varoqui, Reggane, 1960. Collection Fonds général 1914-1991/F 60-20 © Raymond Varoqui/ Service cinématographique des armés (SCA)/Établissement de communication et de production audiovisuelle de la Défense (ECPAD)/Défense.


Image source: Samia Henni 《COLONIAL TOXICITY：Rehearsing French Radioactive Architecture and Landscape in the Sahara》
Photographs by Raymond Varoqui, Reggane, 1960. Collection Fonds général 1914-1991/F 60-20 © Raymond Varoqui/ Service cinématographique des armés (SCA)/Établissement de communication et de production audiovisuelle de la Défense (ECPAD)/Défense.


Image source: Samia Henni 《COLONIAL TOXICITY：Rehearsing French Radioactive Architecture and Landscape in the Sahara》
To supply water to Camp S+-Laurent d'In Amguel, the Bachy station was running at full capacityThe building's façade bears the words "MARINE CEMO".

The French government used a lot of water to wash and clean the radioactive vehicles, but they did not treat the radioactive water. This has resulted in the contamination of groundwater resources from which local communities depend for their livelihoods. We didn’t know where the waste water from the cleaning process was discharged, but the photos taken at the time suggest that the water flowed directly into the ground through the soil and sand. 
Effects of Radiation on the Surrounding Area

Before the experiments, the In Ekker base was set up with large amounts of water for the military and support staff. As nuclear tests progressed, even more water was needed for testing and washing soldiers and lorries, using the same water source as local nomads and their livestock.