(13 May 2025) MOGADISHU (Halqabsi News) – Emergency services in Mogadishu say they successfully contained a fire that broke out in a busy market on Monday evening, preventing it from spreading to nearby shops.
The blaze started at approximately 6:32 PM local time on 12 May in the pharmaceutical section of Balaaraha Market, located in the Howlwadaag district.
A six-room commercial block, primarily selling medicines, was engulfed by the flames.
Firefighting units from the Banadir Regional Administration and Mogadishu Municipality responded to the incident. Officials reported that the teams managed to control the fire swiftly.
Their actions are credited with saving four adjacent buildings, which house a total of 21 other businesses. These shops reportedly sell pharmaceuticals, diagnostic equipment, and electronic goods.
According to a statement from the authorities, 38 personnel from the emergency response department, along with district officials and directors, participated in the operation.
An assessment is now under way to determine the cause of the fire.
Authorities praised the rapid response, which they said averted a wider disaster in what is described as one of Mogadishu’s busiest commercial areas.
Halqabsi News