Acting President Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi orders government agencies to respond as a major wildfire threatens forests, wildlife and communities in the Sanaag region.
HARGEISA, Somaliland (HornPost) — Somaliland Vice President Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi has appointed an emergency committee to coordinate the response to a major wildfire spreading through the mountainous areas of the Sanaag region.
The Vice President, who is serving as acting president, ordered the committee to travel immediately to the affected area and take urgent action to help contain the fire.
The wildfire broke out in the Daalo Mountain area and has spread through forests and natural vegetation. As a result, the blaze has raised concerns about environmental destruction, wildlife losses and the potential impact on nearby communities.
Five Government Agencies Assigned to Emergency Response
The emergency committee brings together five government institutions responsible for security, disaster response, health and environmental protection.
They include:
- The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change
- The Ministry of Defense
- The Ministry of Interior and Security
- The Ministry of Health
- The National Disaster Preparedness and Food Reserve Agency
The Vice President instructed the agencies to coordinate their work and respond to the emergency without delay.
Their responsibilities include supporting firefighting operations, coordinating emergency assistance and assessing the impact of the wildfire.
Public Urged to Support Firefighting Efforts
In addition to directing government agencies, Acting President Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi called on the public to take part in efforts to contain the fire.
He also appealed to local and international organizations to provide urgent assistance to support the emergency response.
The appeal comes as firefighters, security personnel, regional authorities and local residents continue efforts to control the blaze.
However, the rugged mountain terrain has made access difficult in several affected areas, creating additional challenges for firefighting teams.
Growing Concerns Over Damage to Daalo Mountain
The wildfire threatens Daalo Mountain’s forests, natural vegetation and wildlife. It has also raised concerns about the livelihoods of communities living in and around the affected areas.
Meanwhile, emergency teams continue working to prevent the flames from spreading further.
The full extent of the environmental damage remains unclear. Authorities are expected to assess the affected areas as access becomes possible.
The formation of the emergency committee marks a coordinated government response to the growing wildfire crisis.
HornPost Staff Reporter
