JIGJIGA (KAAB TV) – A fierce fire that erupted in the Jigjiga city market in the Somali region of Ethiopia has been successfully contained by officials before it could spread to other districts, authorities reported on Saturday.
The inferno caused significant destruction to various sections of the New Taiwan Market, a bustling shopping destination in the city.
The cause of the fire is still unknown, as is the full extent of the damage, although aerial photographs released by the local television depict the severity of the blaze.
Local authorities swiftly mobilized a comprehensive response, which included firefighters, and emergency prevention teams.
This morning, a delegation led by Regional President Mustafe Omer, accompanied by federal and regional officials, arrived at the site to assess the aftermath of the devastating fire and started evaluating the damages.
Meanwhile, a rescue team from the neighboring capital city of Somaliland, Hargeisa, arrived at the scene earlier this morning.
Led by the city’s mayor, Abdikarim Mooge, this group immediately lent their expertise and support to the ongoing firefighting efforts. The arrival of the rescue team served as a testament to the close ties and mutual assistance between the Somali region and Hargeisa.
Grateful for the aid received from Hargeisa, local officials fondly recalled the assistance provided by the Somali region’s rescue team when a massive fire ravaged Hargeisa’s Waaheen market in April of the previous year.
Government officials say the incident serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proactive measures in fire prevention, preparedness, and response in Jigjiga city which has witnessed a considerable growth.