Cundinamarca and Huila are emerging as the most affected departments, according to the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management.
In a report issued by the UNGRD National Crisis Room, it is revealed that 17 forest fires are currently active in different regions of Colombia.
The situation, considered a national emergency, has led the Government to activate permanently the National Crisis Room to coordinate efforts and take measures decisive in the face of the growing threat. Cundinamarca and Huila are emerging as the most affected departments, while the spread of the fires is largely attributed to the phenomenon of El Niño that began last November 3.
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Since the beginning of the El Niño phenomenon to date, a total of 360 forest fires, affecting 189 municipalities and destroying 7,401 hectares. So far this month of January, 278 fires have been reported.
The seriousness of the situation has led to the declaration of public calamity in five departments (Huila, Sucre, Boyacá, La Guajira and Cundinamarca) and 32 municipalities, mainly due to shortages, climate variability and the impact of the El Niño phenomenon. The department of Santander is in the process of declaration.
The National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD) urgently calls on citizens to take prevention and protection measures against forest fires. Likewise, it urges you to report any risk situation to the competent authorities.
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