Peace.-Satellite images show the environmental impact of the fires in South America. There are alarming levels of pollution in several regions, especially in the department of Santa Cruz.
The first forest fires were reported in Bolivia at the end of June. After more than two months, they have spread mainly to the regions of Santa Cruz, Beni and Pando and in recent weeks, smoke has covered the sky of practically the entire country, including the cities furthest from the fires.
On Saturday, the government declared a National Health Alert due to the pollution. Health Minister Maria Renée Castro, in a press conference, reported that the pollution had rapidly gone from “bad” to “extremely bad” in some parts of the country and indicated that up to that day 6,662 medical consultations had been carried out in the most affected areas.
According to satellite maps from the specialized portal Windy, air pollution affects Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Peru and, to a lesser extent, Argentina and Ecuador.
The thick smoke in the Bolivian department of Santa Cruz has caused the evacuation of families in at least two rural communities and the temporary closure of airports due to poor visibility, including Viru Viru International Airport, which is one of the main accesses to the country. In rural areas, residents have gotten down on their knees to ask for rain to put out the fires.
In six of nine departments, in-person school classes have been suspended and health recommendations have been issued, such as the use of face masks and avoiding outdoor exposure.
In recent days, some regions have experienced levels of pollution never seen before. In the city of Cobija, located in the far north of the country and bordering Brazil, the Municipal Government reported that the “historical record” of pollution was broken, reaching a level of 587 on the Air Quality Index (ICA), in which 300 or higher is considered “extremely bad” for health.
Smoke from the fires has even reached the city of La Paz, located 3,650 meters above sea level, and has blurred the iconic view of the snowy Illimani mountain. The Municipal Secretariat for Environmental Management of La Paz reported that on Thursday, September 5, a record of poor air quality was set with an ICA index of 225.
In Santa Cruz, since the weekend, the ICA values have not dropped below 200 and in more distant cities, such as Tarija or Potosí, the level is around 150, considered “harmful for sensitive groups.”
While the fire and smoke are not giving the Bolivian population any respite, the national government issued a declaration of national emergency over the weekend, which has made international aid possible. This week, brigade members from Brazil arrived and others are expected from Venezuela, Chile and France, according to official information.
Likewise, President Luis Arce instructed the rental of tanker planes to fight from the air the fires that have devastated nearly 4 million hectares, one of them in protected areas.
The ICA allows us to know how polluted the air is and what effects it can have on health. It is calculated in real time from the measurement of several indicators, including suspended particles (PM2.5) and carbon monoxide (CO), values that are shown on Windy maps.
According to the World Health Organization, PM2.5 particles are fine (less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter) and pose a greater risk to health in the long term because they can be inhaled and lodge deep in the respiratory system. The organization notes that exposure to polluted air can cause respiratory infections, cardiovascular problems, strokes and lung cancer.Infobae.
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2024-09-12 03:36:39
Table of Contents
Bolivia’s Devastating Wildfires: A National Emergency Declared as Smoke Chokes Cities and Spreads Across Borders
The ongoing wildfires in Bolivia have reached catastrophic proportions, with smoke blanketing cities and spreading across borders into neighboring countries. The situation has become so dire that the government has declared a national emergency, prompting international aid to pour in.
The Scale of the Disaster
The fires, which started in late June, have now burned over 3 million hectares (7.5 million acres) of land, making it the largest number of wildfires since 2010 [[3]]. The thick smoke has engulfed cities like Santa Cruz and Cochabamba, turning day into night [[1]]. The situation is so bad that satellite images show the environmental impact of the fires stretching across South America, with alarming levels of pollution in several regions.
Air Pollution Reaches Critical Levels
The Air Quality Index (ICA) has reached extreme levels in many areas, with some regions experiencing pollution never seen before. In the city of Cobija, the ICA reached a record-breaking 587, exceeding the “extremely bad” threshold of 300 [[2]]. Even the city of La Paz, located 3,650 meters above sea level, has been affected, with the ICA reaching 225 on September 5 [[2]].
Health Concerns and Evacuations
The poor air quality has led to a surge in medical consultations, with over 6,662 cases reported in the most affected areas [[2]]. In-person school classes have been suspended in six of nine departments, and health recommendations have been issued, including the use of face masks and avoiding outdoor exposure. Families in at least two rural communities have been evacuated due to poor visibility caused by the smoke, and airports have been temporarily closed.
International Aid and Government Response
In response to the crisis, the national government has declared a national emergency, allowing for international aid to arrive. Brigade members from Brazil have already arrived, with others expected from Venezuela, Chile, and France [[3]]. President Luis Arce has also instructed the rental of tanker planes to fight the fires from the air.
Regional Impact
The smoke from the fires has spread beyond Bolivia’s borders, threatening to cover the skies of 15 Argentine provinces and potentially reaching as far as Buenos Aires [[2]]. The thick smoke has also affected neighboring countries, including Brazil, Paraguay, Peru, and Ecuador.
As the situation continues to unfold, the people of Bolivia are holding their breath, praying for rain to quell the flames and bring relief from the choking smoke. The international community must come together to support the Bolivian government and people in this time of need.
Effects of Amazon forest fire on human life
The Devastating Impact of Forest Fires in Bolivia and Beyond
The Amazon rainforest, often referred to as the lungs of the earth, is facing an unprecedented threat. Forest fires have been ravaging the Bolivian Amazon, causing widespread destruction and hazardous air quality. The situation has become so dire that it has been declared a national health alert, with pollution levels reaching record highs.
The Extent of the Damage
The fires, which started in June, have spread across more than 6,000,000 hectares of land in the Bolivian east, mainly in the regions of Santa Cruz, Beni, and Pando [[1]]. The smoke has covered the sky of almost the entire country, including cities farthest from the fires. The department of Santa Cruz has been particularly affected, with air pollution levels reaching “extremely bad” levels, forcing the evacuation of families in rural communities and the closure of airports due to poor visibility.
Consequences for Health and Environment
The air quality has become so hazardous that the government has issued health recommendations, including the use of face masks and avoiding outdoor exposure. Medical consultations have skyrocketed, with over 6,662 cases reported in the most affected areas. The situation is not limited to Bolivia, as neighboring countries such as Brazil, Paraguay, Peru, and Ecuador are also experiencing alarming levels of air pollution [[2]].
Causes of the Fires
The main causes of the fires are attributed to burning and deforestation techniques used for livestock and agriculture purposes [[3]]. The fires have also been exacerbated by climate change, which has led to drier conditions and stronger winds.
The Economic and Social Impact
The fires have not only affected the environment but also the economy and social fabric of the country. In-person school classes have been suspended in six of nine departments, and many businesses have been forced to close due to the hazardous air quality. The smoke has also affected the tourism industry, with the iconic view of the Illimani mountain in La Paz being obscured.
A Call to Action
The situation in Bolivia is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of human activities on the environment. It is essential that immediate action is taken to combat the fires and prevent such disasters in the future. The international community must come together to support Bolivia in this time of crisis and work towards a more sustainable future for the Amazon rainforest and its inhabitants.
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