HOL
Monday February 27, 2017
Somali traders attempt to salvage some of their wares from the burning stalls at the main Bakara market in Somalia's capital Mogadishu. REUTERS/Ismail Taxta
Mogadishu (HOL) - For the second night in a row, Bakara Market is in flames. Residents reported that at around 10:30 pm, a fire broke out and merchants and traders are desperately trying to salvage items from their stalls.
Yesterday night, a fire that began in the gold bazaar killed two people and caused extensive damage to the open-air market after flames ravaged three different sections.
The wind is strong in Mogadishu and residents worry that will fan the flames unless fire crews can battle the fire efficiently. Last night's blaze took nearly 5 hours to put out.
Mogadishu's fire brigade is small and lacks the capability to extinguish large flames.
Bakara Market is often described as the economic centre of Mogadishu and traders are worried about the impact these consecutive flames will have on the local economy.