Since last Saturday, extensive fires have ravaged the agricultural area west of Traghen, according to Khamis Mohamed, head of the Agricultural Police Center in Traghen. Mohamed reported that the fires are still active at the time of this report, raising serious concerns about the potential damage to the region’s agricultural sector.
An initial assessment reveals significant losses. Preliminary statistics indicate that over 1,500 fruit-bearing palm seedlings have been destroyed, more than 320 sheep and goats have perished, and approximately 48 poultry birds have been lost.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fires. Mohamed emphasized the substantial challenges faced in firefighting efforts, particularly due to a severe shortage of firefighting equipment in the municipality, including the absence of a fire truck. Consequently, local residents are attempting to combat the flames using rudimentary methods.
A fire truck from the neighboring city of Sabha arrived yesterday to assist in the firefighting efforts. However, Mohamed noted that high winds are exacerbating the spread of the fires to nearby farms, complicating containment efforts.
Local authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as efforts to control the fire and mitigate further losses persist. The incident underscores the urgent need for enhanced firefighting capabilities in the region to protect agricultural and livestock resources from such catastrophic events.