Colombian wildfires destroy up to 6,000 hectares in 5 days

Colombian government officials estimate that 4,000-6,000 hectares of forest were ravaged by wildfires in the last few days, local media reported on Thursday.

The country’s Interior and Justice Ministry says that 205 municipalities in 20 departments have been affected since fires broke out a few weeks ago.

According to radio station W, government officials report that a total of 9,645 hectares have been affected by fires during this unusually dry season.

The government declared the situation a national disaster in order to have access to more foreign funds for fighting the fires.

The total damage is estimated at US$40 million.