September 23, 2024, 5:10 PM
September 23, 2024, 5:10 PM
The department of Santa Cruz reports 39 active forest fires in 15 municipalities, Of these, 11 are considered complex due to their magnitude and difficulty in controlling them, according to the latest report from the Departmental Emergency Operations Center (COED). To date, more than 3 million hectares have been devastated by fire.
Jhonny Rojas, coordinator of the COED, reported that there are 30 fires under observation and that emergency teams are actively fighting 9 outbreaks.. 1,105 people work on the landincluding forest firefighters, community firefighters, government firefighters and rescue workers, supported by 75 vehicles of various types.
The flames have affected 703 families and 21 homes destroyed in 12 communities in the department. The COED has distributed 59 tons of humanitarian aid, including food, water and medicines, while donations from institutions and individuals have added up to an additional 23.3 tons.
The Departmental Health Service (Sedes) has provided medical care to more than 11,000 people in the affected areas. In addition, 105 animals have been rescuedof which 43 have already been released, while 32 still require care.
Critical situation in Concepción
The municipality of Concepción is one of the most affected. The Governorate has sent more than 13 tons of food and waterwhile three planes, including two from the Air Force and one Canadian, work in the area to fight the fire.
Rojas highlighted the collaboration of international firefighters from Venezuela, Brazil, Chile and Spain, who are already in Concepción supporting the control efforts.
