The Somaliland government has taken swift action in response to a devastating wildfire that erupted in the Daalo Mountains of the Sanaag Region, appointing a national emergency committee to address the crisis. The announcement was made by Vice President and Acting PPresidentH.E. Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi during a press conference tonight.
The fire, which began in the afternoon and rapidly spread through the ancient forests and vegetation of the Daalo Mountains, has raised significant concerns about environmental damage and the safety of local communities.
The newly formed committee, tasked with coordinating an urgent response, comprises representatives from the following agencies:
1. Ministry of Environment and Climate Change– Leading efforts to assess and mitigate environmental damage.
2. Ministry of Defense– Providing logistical and personnel support for firefighting operations.
3. Ministry of Internal Affairs and Security – Ensuring public safety and coordinating evacuations if necessary.
4. Ministry of Health– Offering medical assistance to affected communities and responders.
5. National Disaster Preparedness and Food Reserve Authority (NADFOR) – Managing emergency resources and relief efforts.
Vice President Abdi has directed the committee to immediately deploy to the affected area to assess the situation and lead firefighting and containment efforts. The Somaliland Fire Brigade, established in 2014 and known for its rapid response capabilities, is already on the scene but faces challenges due to the difficult terrain.
In a public address, the Vice President called on Somaliland’s citizens to join in the efforts to extinguish the fire, emphasizing the need for collective action to protect the region’s natural heritage. He also issued an urgent appeal to international and local organizations for immediate support, including technical expertise and resources to combat the blaze.
Authorities are urging residents in the Sanaag Region to stay vigilant and follow safety directives as firefighting efforts continue. Further updates are expected as the committee begins its work and assesses the full extent of the damage.