Namibia has deployed its army to combat extensive fires in the Etosha National Park, one of the country’s most treasured wildlife reserves. The fires have been devastating large areas of the park, threatening its diverse ecosystems and the many species that inhabit it.
The government’s decision to send military personnel is aimed at providing additional manpower and resources to control and eventually extinguish the blazes that have proven difficult to manage due to the scale and intensity of the fires.
Key Measures Taken
- Deployment of army specialists trained in firefighting operations.
- Use of heavy equipment and fire retardants to create firebreaks.
- Collaboration between wildlife authorities and the military to ensure the safety of animals.
- Continuous monitoring of fire hotspots using aerial surveillance.
Impact of the Fires
The fires have caused significant damage to the natural habitat within Etosha National Park, which is home to:
- Rare and endangered wildlife including elephants, lions, and rhinoceros.
- Diverse plant species that maintain the ecological balance.
- Tourism infrastructure and local economies dependent on wildlife tourism.
Efforts are ongoing to control the fires while minimizing harm to wildlife and the environment, with the hope of restoring the park as a sanctuary for Namibia’s natural heritage.
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