Wildfires Threaten Key Water Catchment Areas in Kenya’s Aberdare and Mt. Kenya Forests
Wildfires have erupted in the Aberdare and Mt. Kenya forests in Kenya, endangering vital water catchment areas. The Kenya Wildlife Service and Kenya Forest Service are engaged in firefighting operations amidst dry conditions. Urgent actions are being taken to prevent further spread and protect these critical ecosystems from destruction.
Wildfires have recently ignited in two major forests in Kenya, the Aberdare and Mt. Kenya, posing a significant threat to essential water catchment areas. The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and Kenya Forest Service (KFS) have mobilized teams to control the blazes, which have spread rapidly due to dry weather conditions and strong winds.
Lucy Mwati, a senior director at KWS responsible for mountain conservation, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that efforts are being made to inhibit the fire’s expansion further. “Our priority is to stop the flames from spreading further and safeguard the fragile ecosystems critical to Kenya’s water supply,” Mwati remarked. The Aberdare Forest is currently experiencing particularly severe outbreaks, specifically in the Embaringo section, located about 160 kilometers north of Nairobi.
Emergency response teams are actively addressing multiple flare-ups throughout the Aberdare region to prevent additional damage to the vulnerable areas of the forest. Similar fire incidents have also been detected in Mt. Kenya Forest, where assessments are underway to gauge the damage and allocate resources to mitigate further impact.
Officials have issued warnings regarding the heightened risk of wildfires due to the prolonged dry conditions, calling on the public to remain alert and report any signs of fire. Investigations into the origins of the ongoing fires are currently in progress.
The outbreak of wildfires in Aberdare and Mt. Kenya forests highlights the serious impact of dry weather on these crucial ecosystems. The effective response by the Kenya Wildlife and Forest Services aims to mitigate the damage and protect essential water catchment areas. Authorities continue to call for public vigilance while investigations are ongoing to determine the causes of these fires.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
