Wildfire Contained in Namibia's Etosha National Park After PM's Intervention

Wildfire Contained in Namibia's Etosha National Park The Namibian government has confirmed that the massive wildfire raging through Etosha national park since September 22 has been brought under control, according to Prime Minister Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare. The fire had burned over a third of the park's area, affecting more than 775,000 hectares. Timeline and Response The government suspected charcoal production near the park was responsible for the blaze. On Saturday, 49 soldiers were deployed to fight the fires, followed by an additional 500 troops on Sunday. By Monday morning, all fires had been contained, with mop-up operations and monitoring continuing in the region. Immediate Impact and Response The wildfire has left a trail of devastation, with over 171,000 hectares outside the park also affected. The government's response was criticized for being too slow, with volunteers claiming that troops were sent in late to combat the blaze. The prime minister acknowledged the criticism on his Facebook page, stating that all fires had been contained. Background Context Etosha national park is one of Africa's largest and most biodiverse protected areas, home to 114 mammal species, including the critically endangered black rhino. Charcoal production has long been a concern in the region, with many accusing local authorities of turning a blind eye to the practice. What Happens Next As mop-up operations continue, conservation efforts will focus on rehabilitating the affected areas and preventing future wildfires. The government has promised to investigate the cause of the blaze and take steps to prevent similar incidents in the future. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible land use and effective disaster response mechanisms in protecting our planet's precious natural resources. *This story is developing. Information compiled from Theguardian reporting.*