The Namibian government has deployed 500 soldiers, along with helicopters, to battle a massive wildfire ravaging Etosha National Park, a renowned tourist destination and home to critically endangered black rhinos.
The fire, believed to have originated from a charcoal production site outside the park’s borders, has already destroyed a third of the park, killing at least nine antelopes and damaging wildlife habitats and grazing pastures.
Etosha National Park, covering 22,935 square kilometers, is one of Africa’s largest game reserves, attracting 200,000 tourists annually with its vast salt pan visible from space and diverse wildlife, including 114 mammal species and hundreds of migratory birds.
Opposition MP Likando Rodrick criticized the government for inadequate preparedness and urged enhanced long-term response measures.
Experts note that while wildfires are natural in arid savannas, close management is crucial to prevent devastating consequences.
The park’s management faces a daunting task in assessing damage and developing rehabilitation strategies. The deployment of the army signifies the severity of the situation, with soldiers working alongside park authorities to create firebreaks and douse flames.
