Wildfires have scorched nearly a third of the grazing land in Namibia’s Etosha National Park and spread into surrounding communal areas, prompting the government to deploy hundreds of soldiers and aerial assets in an emergency firefighting operation.
The blaze, which began on the evening of 22 September in the park’s southwestern quadrant, has intensified due to strong winds and dry vegetation, threatening biodiversity, wildlife and livelihoods across the Omusati and Oshana regions.
By 26 September, 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 percent 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 in a statement late Sunday.
“No State of Emergency has been declared yet and a decision will be taken once all information is obtained.”
No human casualties have been reported although an unspecified number of wildlife have perished.
In response, the National Disaster Risk Management Committee convened an emergency meeting on Saturday, chaired by Secretary to the Cabinet Emilia Mkusa.
The committee identified urgent needs including firefighting equipment, protective masks, food rations, graders for firebreaks and mobile clinics.
The Namibia Defence Force deployed over 570 personnel and two helicopters to assist in the firefighting exercise.
The Namibia Police also dispatched a surveillance helicopter to monitor fire spread in Omusati, with further support mobilised from Oshana, Kunene and the Office of the Prime Minister.
JN/APA