Devastating fire engulfs historic Somali town of Milxo, leaving residents homeless

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Devastating fire engulfs historic Somali town of Milxo, leaving residents homeless

GAROWE (HORN OBSERVER) – In the remote town of Milxo, nestled within the mountainous Sanaag region, residents were abruptly awakened last Thursday by a massive fire that ultimately ravaged much of the town's homes and businesses.

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A boy is seen collecting belongings in the aftermath of the fire that destroyed Milxo town, Sanaag region.

GAROWE (HORN OBSERVER) – In the remote town of Milxo, nestled within the mountainous Sanaag region, residents were abruptly awakened last Thursday by a massive fire that ultimately ravaged much of the town's homes and businesses.

With its strategic location, Milxo has long been renowned as an ancient trading center in the Sanaag region and is currently hub for gold mining activities, earning it the moniker "the gold town in Somalia.”

Officials have reported no casualties from last week’s destructive blaze in Milxo, but its aftermath has left a lasting impact. Hundreds of families find themselves without shelter or sustenance.

Fire ultimately ravaged much of the homes in Milxo town, Sanaag region.

Halima Mohamud, a mother of five who was born, raised, and married in Milxo, expressed the stark reality: "We went to sleep that night as a family with ample food and possessions. But today, we only managed to save our lives. We have nothing else left.”

While wildfires are not uncommon in this region, a similar inferno nearly consumed the Gaacidh forest in eastern Sanaag in July 2022. The forest, celebrated as one of the region’s most beautiful, is home to unique trees and numerous fauna on Daalo Mountain.

"I’ve spent my entire life here, but I’ve never witnessed a fire of this magnitude. We’re uncertain about the cause of the fire,” remarked another resident, Abdirahman Ducaale.

Environmental experts suggest that climatic conditions play a significant role in the rapid spread of such fires, with strong winds and dry vegetation acting as accelerants.

Local residents report that an area spanning over 2 kilometers has been completely scorched, resulting in extensive damage to buildings and the environment. Charred houses and vehicles are strewn throughout this small town as the fire went on for several days, with no aid arriving as yet.

Located at the eastern edge of the Sahel, Somalia grapples with an arid to semi-arid climate. The country is currently ensnared in an enduring and intricate climate catastrophe, with little indication of relief in sight.