International News: More than 16,000 acres destroyed by fire in Colombia

Published by BBNTEAM at January 25, 2024

Posted: Thursday, January 25, 2024. 1:42 pm CST.

By Zoila Palma Gonzalez: Today, Colombia made an appeal for international help as it battles wildfires.

Dozens of forest fires are burning and covering the capital in smoke.

According to the Associated French Press, hundreds of firefighters and volunteers are battling the blazes.

Due to the haze, schools cancelled in-person classes and flights from the El Dorado international airport were delayed or canceled due to poor visibility.

More than 6,600 hectares (16,300 acres) of vegetation have been destroyed so far, according to the National Disaster Risk Management Unit (UNGRD).

As of today, 31 fires were raging in 5 regions.

President Gustavo Petro said he had ordered the “activation of international aid protocols,” and announced that offers of help have already come from the United States, Chile, Peru and Canada.

The president has declared a natural disaster, allowing funds to be diverted from other budget items towards containing the blazes.

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