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Peru declares state of emergency as fires devastate northern regions

September 19, 2024

State of emergency declared in northern Peru

Peruvian President Dina Boluarte declared a state of emergency in three northern regions of the country due to forest fires affecting the Andean and Amazonian areas.

As reported by Reuters, the emergency measures were announced in response to devastating fires that have caused widespread damage, particularly in the regions of Amazonas, San Martin, and Ucayali.

Local authorities had requested additional resources to help contain the situation.

The fires, which have claimed 16 lives, have burned through large areas of farmland, contributing to a growing agricultural crisis.

Farming practices and climate change linked to fires

Forest fires in Peru are common between August and November, according to the country’s environmental ministry.

These fires often result from the intentional burning of grasslands to expand agricultural boundaries, as well as from illegal activities carried out by land traffickers.

President Boluarte has urged farmers to halt the practice of burning grasslands, which has contributed to the destruction of thousands of hectares of land.

She also pointed out that a lack of rainfall, exacerbated by climate change, is another key factor in the current crisis.

Fire control efforts in Ucayali

Firefighters and volunteers have been working to control the blazes, but the rugged terrain of Ucayali has made access difficult.

The regional governor of Ucayali has called for military aircraft to support these efforts, as key crops like palm and cocoa are being threatened.

As of the latest reports, approximately 80% of the fires have been brought under control, though some regions remain at risk.

Record fire hotspots in South America

The fires in Peru are part of a larger trend affecting South America this year.

Data from Brazil’s space research agency shows that the continent has experienced a record number of fire hotspots in 2024, surpassing previous records set in 2007.

So far, 346,112 fire hotspots have been detected across South America, according to satellite analysis, highlighting the widespread nature of the problem.

Peru declares state of emergency as fires devastate northern regions: Summary

Peru has declared a state of emergency in the regions of Amazonas, San Martin, and Ucayali due to widespread forest fires that have claimed 16 lives and destroyed significant areas of farmland.

The fires, common during the dry season, have been linked to farming practices and climate change.

President Dina Boluarte has called on communities to stop burning grasslands and noted that 238 fires have been reported nationwide, with 80% under control.

The Ucayali region has requested military assistance to help combat fires in remote areas.

This situation is part of a larger trend in South America, which has seen record fire activity in 2024.

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