Colombia declares a disaster because of wildfires and asks for international help
Colombia’s government has issued a disaster declaration and requested help from the international community to combat raging wildfires affecting the South American country
By AP News
Published - Jan 25, 2024, 10:40 PM ET
Last Updated - Jan 25, 2024, 10:40 PM EST
BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — Colombia’s government declared a disaster Thursday and asked for international help to combat raging wildfires that are expected to worsen in coming days due to warm, dry conditions associated with the El Niño weather phenomenon.
Officials raised the number of fires from 25 to 31, and said nine of them were under control. They did not order mandatory evacuations despite some fires burning in the mountains that surround some municipalities.
President Gustavo Petro said Chile, the United States, Peru and Canada have already responded to the call for help, without specifying when the assistance will arrive to the South American country.
The government also asked for aid from the United Nations and European Union.
