Wildfires have burned nearly a third of the grazing land in Namibia’s Etosha National Park and spread into nearby communal areas, prompting the government to launch a large-scale emergency response. More than 570 soldiers and aerial units have been deployed to contain the blaze, which threatens biodiversity, wildlife, and rural livelihoods.
The fire began on September 22 in the park’s southwest and has intensified due to strong winds and dry vegetation. By September 26, flames had reached communal lands in Uuvudhiya, Otamanzi, and Ruacana constituencies, destroying hundreds of thousands of hectares of grazing land.
Acting President Lucia Witbooi confirmed that about 30% of Etosha’s grazing area has been lost. “Aerial imagery will be undertaken to determine the extent of the spread of the fire and the area destroyed,” she said Sunday, adding that no State of Emergency has yet been declared.
While no human casualties have been reported, an unspecified number of wildlife have perished.
The National Disaster Risk Management Committee, chaired by Cabinet Secretary Emilia Mkusa, has identified urgent needs including firefighting equipment, masks, food rations, graders for firebreaks, and mobile clinics.
The Namibia Defence Force has deployed personnel and helicopters to assist in the firefighting effort, while the Namibia Police have dispatched a surveillance helicopter to track the spread of the fire across the Omusati region, with additional support mobilized from Oshana, Kunene, and the Office of the Prime Minister.
Source:Africa Publicity
