The Colombian government on Thursday officially declared the wildfires raging across the country a national disaster.
The intense sun and current high temperatures, combined with people’s irresponsible actions, have led to the outbreak of fires in many parts of the country, provoking authorities to declare the forest fires a national disaster.
A state of emergency has been declared in 25 departments, including Magdalena, Guajira, Boyaca, Huila, Norte de Santander, Risaralda, Antioquia, Arauca, Caqueta and Guainia.
Over 2,000 hectares nationwide have so far been destroyed by the flames, and 28,000 people have been affected, reported newspaper El Espectador.
According to environmental authority IDEAM the current summer dry season will last for three months. The worst hit area is reported to be the Cañon de las Hermosas, a region where it has been more difficult smother the flames due to uneven terrain and thick vegetation which lessens the efficacy of helicopters.
