Namibia's PM Claims Wildfire Contained Amid Criticism of Initial Response

Wildfire in Namibia Contained, Says PM, After Criticism of Response The government of Namibia has announced that the devastating wildfire in Etosha national park has been brought under control, with 49 soldiers deployed to fight the fires and a further 500 troops on standby. The fire, which broke out on September 22, has burned over a third of the park's area, affecting more than 775,000 hectares. Timeline: September 22: Wildfire breaks out in Etosha national park September 24: Government deploys 49 soldiers to fight the fires September 25: Additional 500 troops deployed to support firefighting efforts Immediate Impact and Response: The prime minister, Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare, posted on his Facebook page that all fires are contained, with mop-up and monitoring continuing. Volunteers who helped combat the fire have expressed frustration over the delayed response from authorities. Background Context: Etosha national park is one of Africa's largest protected areas, home to 114 mammal species, including the critically endangered black rhino. The government suspects charcoal production next to the park may be responsible for the blaze. What Happens Next: The Namibian government has pledged to investigate the cause of the fire and implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. Conservation efforts will also focus on restoring damaged habitats and supporting affected wildlife populations. *This story is developing. Information compiled from Theguardian reporting.*