Losses in Somaliland market fire reach $2 billion- initial report

GOOBJOOG NEWS|HARGEISA: Up to $2 billion was lost during the fierce fire that razed down a market in the breakaway region of Somaliland on Saturday, authorities there have said.

Hargeisa mayor aAbdikarim Moge said preliminary investigations indicated that the fire resulted in a loss of between $1.5 and $2 million.

He, however, indicated that there were no deaths but about 28 people were injured during the inferno which gutted down Wahen market which is the main source of livelihood for city residents.

Meanwhile, local and foreign leaders have joined hands in commiserating with the city. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said his government was in solidarity with Somaliland and will assist in rebuilding the market.

“Saddened to see the aftermath of the fire in Hargeisa with such destruction in the open market that is the economic heart of the city, affecting many small and family enterprises,” British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Twitter. “Your city will rise again and the UK will do what we can to support Somaliland’s rebuilding effort.”

In Mogadishu, Prime Minister Mohamed Roble announced the release of $11.7 million meant for Somaliland from foreign donors to support the government in Somaliland to rebuild the market and addressing emergency needs.

Ethiopia also sent in fire fighting machines to bring down the fire.