According to the latest report from the National Risk Management Unit (UNGRD), there are 18 active forest fires in the national territory. Although the number has decreased slightly compared to what was recorded this week, Authorities remain alert to address the contingency which is affecting some regions of the country.
Given this situation, the National Government, headed by the Ministry of the Interior,announced a series of measures to address the issue. According to the head of this portfolio, Juan Fernando Cristo, although there is a manifest urgency that was decreed a few months ago, “We were late in making decisions to provide the authorities with the necessary elements, which are not sufficient”.
The official also noted that “The firefighters have been very committed. We have an extraordinary fire department throughout Colombia. They need more capabilities.”
Cristo’s statements come after the Cundinamarca Fire Department reported that the specialized equipment to deal with fires was stored in a warehouse. In this context, the minister reported that this Thursday, September 19, A meeting will be held to equip the fire brigadeprioritizing the areas where the greatest emergencies occur.
(Read more: In which regions of Colombia will the La Niña phenomenon be felt most strongly?)
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UNGRD
It should be remembered that so far in September there have been reported 249 forest fires in 135 municipalities in 14 departments. These conflagrations have affected more than 12,000 hectares.
“The capacities are limited, yes, but the bottom line is that by acting jointly between the departmental and national governments we can face this crisis and avoid, above all, the loss of human lives,” highlighted the director of UNGRD, Carlos Carrillo.
PORTFOLIO
