WILDFIRES continue to rage across Colombia, although its firefighters and volunteers had already put out some 204 fires this January alone, some parts of the country continue to burn.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has declared a state of disaster as wildfires ravage the country, warning that the conditions could still get worse.
He also declared a “situation of disaster and calamity” and is asking for international assistance.
Chile, the United States, Peru, and Canada have responded to the call.
Petro said requested aid from the United Nations and the European Union.
The wildfires, now numbering 31 with only nine under control.
At least 138 flights were also affected.
This climate disaster prompted the government to redirect funds—which were previously approved for other purposes.
No mandatory evacuations have been ordered, but about half of the country’s municipalities are on high alert.
Colombian officials said the fires are due to the hot and dry weather, attributed to El Niño, and the situation is expected to deteriorate in the coming weeks.
