Colombia declares public calamity as wildfire threatens popular tourist area
Summary
Colombian officials declared a public calamity as a wildfire burned near the popular tourist town of Villa de Leyva, affecting nearly 290 hectares and forcing evacuations. About 20 wildfires are active nationwide, worsened by dry weather linked to the El Niño weather pattern.Key Facts
- The wildfire began on a mountain near Villa de Leyva and spread to about 290 hectares (around 400 soccer fields).
- Strong winds slowed firefighting efforts, but the fire was about 50% controlled within a day.
- More than 400 firefighters, volunteers, and emergency workers fought the fire, using four helicopters to drop water.
- Authorities suspect the Villa de Leyva fire may have been started deliberately and are investigating.
- Colombia is currently managing 27 forest fires, with 19 still active across various regions.
- The government has issued wildfire warnings for 279 municipalities, with 36 under the highest alert level.
- Neighboring Ecuador is also battling 12 active wildfires, which have burned over 21,800 hectares this year.
- The El Niño weather phenomenon is expected to increase wildfire risks and water shortages from October to April.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
