Namibia Deploys Troops, Helicopters to Battle Massive Etosha Fire

Namibia is set to deploy helicopters and hundreds of soldiers to battle a massive fire that has ravaged a third of Etosha National Park, one of southern Africa's top tourist attractions.

It is also home to critically endangered black rhinos.

The blaze, believed to have started at a charcoal production site outside the park, spread into the reserve, killing at least nine antelope and destroying habitats and grazing land in the Omusati and Oshana regions near Angola. 

Authorities have decided to send 500 more troops to support firefighters, police, and volunteers already on the ground. 

Opposition MP Likando Rodrick criticised the government for failing to contain the fire, urging better preparedness and stronger long-term response measures. 

Some 200,000 tourists visit the nature reserve every year, according to the government.

Etosha hosts 114 mammal species and attracts hundreds of migratory birds, including flamingos.

—All Africa