Namibia deploys hundreds of soldiers as wildfire ravages Etosha National Park
Reports indicate that the fire, which broke out on September 22, has already consumed about 34 per cent of the 22,270-square-kilometre park, home to around 114 mammal species, including the critically endangered black rhinos.
Namibia on Sunday deployed hundreds of soldiers to contain a wildfire that has destroyed more than a third of Etosha National Park, one of Africa’s largest game reserves, causing widespread environmental damage and killing wildlife.
Reports indicate that the fire, which broke out on September 22, has already consumed about 34 per cent of the 22,270-square-kilometre park, home to around 114 mammal species, including the critically endangered black rhinos.
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At least nine antelopes have been reported dead, though officials fear the toll could rise as firefighters struggle to contain the blaze. Additional reports suggest the fire originated from charcoal burning on nearby farms.
In a Facebook statement on Saturday, following an emergency Cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare announced the deployment of an additional 500 soldiers to support existing firefighting teams composed of police, local residents, and other responders.
"Following the raging fire in the Etosha National Park for more than two days, the Secretary to the Cabinet, Emilia N Mkusa, convened an emergency meeting today to deliberate on the matter," the statement reads.
"As a result, the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs will dispatch two helicopters tomorrow. In the meantime, an additional 49 soldiers have been deployed today, and 500 soldiers will arrive tomorrow."
Namibia’s Defence Minister Frans Kapofi later confirmed the deployment on Sunday.
"The order was given that the troops must be deployed, and if all are not on the ground yet, they will be there soon," he said, according to The Guardian.
"They are deployed from various regions and will be deployed to all affected areas."
Authorities warn that if the fire is not brought under control, it could destroy more of the park’s fragile habitats, putting both wildlife and tourism at risk.
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