Colombia is grappling with a severe environmental crisis as over 17 thousand hectares of land have been destroyed by wildfires since November last year. Local authorities reported on Friday (January 26) that the nation is experiencing its hottest January in decades.
Colombia's Minister of Environment, Susana Muhamad, stated that more than 340 wildfires have been recorded during this period, triggered by prolonged drought, high temperatures, and the El Niño weather phenomenon. She added that 26 fire hotspots are still active.
Efforts to extinguish several fires near the capital have been underway since Monday (January 22), including blazes in the mountains overlooking Bogota. Authorities have advised residents near affected areas to stay indoors due to poor air quality.
"Today, a fire occurred in Nevada del Cocuy, a natural park with snow-capped peaks approximately 250 kilometers (155 miles) northeast of Bogota," Muhamad announced in a press conference, as reported by AFP. She emphasized that the fire in the park has reached a "significant height," prompting helicopters to assess the situation.
Smoke in Bogota
One of the fire hotspots flared up about 900 meters from the El Paraiso neighborhood in eastern Bogota. The Colombian Red Cross in Bogota reported on social media platforms, alongside photos of emergency workers assisting a masked man, that some residents affected by the smoke are receiving medical care.
This week, President Gustavo Petro declared a natural disaster, reallocating funds from other budgets to combat the fires, and appealed for international assistance.
The El Dorado International Airport in Bogota resumed normal operations on Friday after restrictions the day before affected 138 flights.
According to Ghisliane Echeverry, the director of the Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology, and Environmental Studies in Colombia, this month is on track to be the hottest January in the last 30 years. Echeverry warned that February will see even higher temperatures, and only in March will rain help "alleviate" the impact of extreme heat.
Authorities are investigating whether arsonists are responsible for some of the fires, leading to the arrest of 26 individuals for "fire-related violations."
As Colombia battles the devastating consequences of widespread wildfires exacerbated by extreme weather conditions, urgent international support and collaborative efforts are crucial to address the environmental emergency.