September 25, 2024, 9:32 AM
September 25, 2024, 9:32 AM
Air quality in Santa Cruz de la Sierra worsened dramatically on Wednesday, going from “bad” to “extremely bad”according to the Municipal Secretariat of the Environment. The index of particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5) reached 385 pointswhich represents a significant risk to the health of Santa Cruz residents.
“This level of pollution is unhealthy “both for risk groups and for the general population,” explained Diego Rojas, head of the Department of Water and Atmospheric Pollution of the Mayor’s Office.
Given this situation, Rojas recommended Avoid prolonged exposure to the outdoors, reduce strenuous physical activity and maintain constant hydration due to the high temperatures. For those who must go out, he suggested the use of a face mask as a protective measure.
Air pollution mainly affects older adults, pregnant women, children under five years of age and people with cardiorespiratory diseases.
Although a cold front this thursday While the situation could temporarily improve, Rojas warned that as long as the forest fires remain active, the impact on air quality will persist.
Active fires
The fires in eastern Bolivia have devastated more than 3.8 million hectares of forests and grasslandsand they continue to be unable to be quelled after more than three months of activity.
The Government of Santa Cruz reported that there are currently 39 active fires in 15 municipalities. Departmental authorities have repeatedly asked the government to declare a national disaster, which would allow for international aid, but have so far received no response.
On the Santa Cruz anniversary, the mayor of San Rafael, Jorge Vargas Roca, broke down in tears and expressed his desperation and pain when reporting that half a million hectares in his municipality have already been consumed by fire.
