Isiolo County, particularly the environs of Malka Galla, has been plunged into a fierce wildfire that has entered its fifth day and has brought about devastating destruction. The fire razed more than 190,000 acres of grassland and may further bring into captivity lives, livelihoods and the fragile ecosystem of this semi-arid region.
The fire has rapidly spread through Bassa, Matarba and Sericho locations, with no significant measure of containment recorded. The flames have been fueled by the dry conditions, strong winds and expansive grasslands that make up a big portion of the topography in Isiolo County.
Those living in Cherab Sub-county say it is still spreading, and locals have shared distressing images showing smoke billowing across extensive areas.
This in turn threatens the livelihoods of pastoralist communities dependent on the land for grazing, as over 190,000 acres of grassland have been destroyed.
The destruction of grasslands and vegetation is likely to have long-term ecological effects, including loss of wildlife habitats and soil degradation.
Families depending on livestock could suffer severe losses as grazing land is reduced to ashes, threatening the food security situation in the region.
Despite the size of this wild fire, reports indicate that there have been no coordinated efforts in trying to put out the fire. County Commissioner Geoffrey Omodin confirmed the widespread nature of the fire but gave no details on active measures taken to bring it under control.
This has raised several concerns about preparedness and the capacity for disaster response in Isiolo County. Incapacitation by both national agencies to offer equipment, resources or even support to try and put out the fire only points to how vulnerable semi arid regions like Isiolo are regarding such disasters. National Disaster Management Units should deploy firefighting resources, both in personnel and equipment. County and National Governments: Fire preparedness measures, with emphasis on this area, need to be enhanced, along with early response mechanisms for disasters, to reduce future disaster risks. Humanitarian Support: Support in most areas, especially pastoralist communities dependent on the land for grazing, is imperative to recover from economic and environmental devastation.
It signifies the frequency and intensity of such wildfires, for example, in arid and semi-arid areas within Kenya, amid the changing climatic conditions. Prolonged drought and high temperatures join windy patterns of weather to culminate in this perfect storm threatening human and ecological systems.
The ongoing wildfire in Isiolo County reminds us of how important it is to take proactive measures against disasters related to climatic changes. If not intervened upon, the destruction will further increase, for the lives and livelihoods of this region are at greater risk.
