A fierce and extensive fire that erupted at Wajaale’s main market in Somaliland, located on the border with Ethiopia, has been effectively extinguished after a protracted battle by emergency responders. The conflagration inflicted considerable damage on various sections of the market, though officials have reported the preservation of its largest section.
Firefighting personnel faced formidable challenges in controlling the blaze, primarily due to a substantial crowd of spectators that gathered at the scene. Despite ongoing efforts, the exact cause of the fire remains undetermined, as does the comprehensive assessment of the damage; however, visual documentation released by the media underscores the severity of the incident.
Ahmed Mohamed Hassan (Sawaahili), Chief of the Somaliland Firefighters, officially confirmed the successful containment of the fire and urged the community to rigorously adhere to safety guidelines to forestall similar occurrences in the future.
Government authorities have disclosed that no lives were lost, and there were no reported injuries. However, they have acknowledged extensive property damage and have pledged to provide the public with precise casualty figures at a later time.
By xamse
September 17, 2023
