A 60-day state of emergency has been introduced in Ecuador. Fires are raging in the country, there is a water shortage and there is a drought. In November, the fire burned over 10,000 hectares of vegetation. Residents also struggle with frequent interruptions in access to electricity.
As Ecuador's Environment Minister Ines Manzano announced on Monday, the government has declared a 60-day state of emergency in the country due to water shortages, raging forest fires and drought.
As reported, the declaration of a state of emergency will enable the release of the necessary financial resources to fight the fires that are occurring in the southern provinces of Azuay and Loja. In November, more than 10,000 hectares of forests and crops burned in southern Ecuador.
Fires, drought, lack of electricity in Ecuador
In September, the Ecuadorian government issued a red alert in 20 of the country's 24 provinces due to the worst water shortages in over 60 years. As a result, the country is struggling with energy problems, and residents experience power outages that last up to 14 hours a day. The reason is that energy production is difficult, as 70 percent of Ecuador's electricity comes from hydroelectric power plants.
According to the authorities, the fires are the result of arson aimed at, among others, increasing the area of agricultural land.
The National Hazard Management Authority reported that from January to November, more than 5,100 forest fires broke out in Ecuador, killing six people and injuring 45 others.
Fires in EcuadorSantiago Arcos / Reuters / Forum
Main photo source: Santiago Arcos / Reuters / Forum