In recent days, Bolivian media have published photos and videos showing desperate residents looking at houses consumed by fire. The authorities announced on Sunday that the disaster affected over 11,700 people. families in 746 communities.
– No one doubts that it is one of the biggest natural disasters, that take place in the territory of our country, said Deputy Minister of Civil Defense Juan Carlos Calvimontes.
South America. The largest fires in the history of Bolivia
The damage caused by this year's fires is more extensive than in the record years of 2010 and 2019. The neighboring towns suffered the most damage. Brazil tropical departments Santa Cruz and Beni in the east of the country.
– What happened in recent months east Bolivia and will continue to happen at least until October, is a disaster of unprecedented scale in this country, Tierra Foundation researcher Juan Pablo Chumacero told reporters.
Most fires are the result of human activities, but according to scientists, recent ones intense heatwaves and droughts w South Americaassociated with climate change, contribute to the faster spread of fire.
Because of the raging ones forest fires The Bolivian government declared a “state of national disaster” at the end of September.