Hargeisa (Kaab TV) — A woman, her sister, and three young girls died early Monday after a fire swept through their home in Hargeisa, officials confirmed.
The fire erupted in the 26 June district, neighborhood 150, and rapidly consumed the family’s house, which was constructed from corrugated iron and closely surrounded by similar dwellings, the Hargeisa Fire Department said.
Authorities explained that the tight spacing between the structures enabled the flames to spread quickly, giving the occupants little opportunity to escape. The children who lost their lives were girls aged 12, 7, and 5.
The Somaliland Police Criminal Investigation Department has launched an inquiry into the cause of the fire. While no preliminary conclusions have been announced, investigators are assessing how the blaze began.
Hargeisa’s fire chief warned that fires linked to electrical faults and unsafe living conditions are becoming more frequent, particularly in areas where children are present. He urged residents to take preventive measures and reduce potential fire hazards.
“We are witnessing a rise in fires caused by electrical issues and unsafe environments,” the fire chief said, emphasizing the need for greater public awareness and safety precautions.
The Somaliland government announced it had provided $40,000 in emergency assistance to the affected family. Officials also expressed condolences and offered prayers for the victims, asking for strength and patience for the surviving relatives.
Residential fires remain a recurring danger in Hargeisa, where many residents live in informal housing with limited fire safety resources. Last year, another deadly blaze claimed the lives of several children after a domestic dispute led to a house being set on fire.