Nearly 30,000 hectares of vegetation have burned in Ecuador in fires since last January, which have directly affected 285 people, the National Secretariat for Risk Management (SNGR) reported on Tuesday.
In its daily report on forest fires, it detailed that the vegetation cover burned so far totals 29,812.07 hectares.
Since January 1, 2,621 forest fires have been recorded in 21 provinces, affecting 134 cantons and 514 parishes.
The provinces with the greatest loss of vegetation cover include Loja, Azuay, Pichincha, Carchi, Imbabura and Guayas, with more than 1,000 hectares; followed by Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, El Oro, Cañar, Tungurahua and Santa Elena, with more than 100 hectares.
During the current phase of forest fires, August has been the month with the greatest impact, followed by July and so far in September.
According to the SNGR, there are currently seven active forest fires in the provinces of Azuay, Pichincha, Carchi, Cotopaxi and Imbabura, and three under control in Cotopaxi, Pichincha and Carchi.
According to the Secretariat’s records, the fires have affected 285 people and injured 11, while 92 families have been left homeless.
In addition, 19 homes have been damaged and four destroyed, while 881 animals have been affected and 6,199 died.
In addition to ground control actions, this year there have been 54 aerial interventions, including reconnaissance flights and firefighting operations, in which firefighters, the Joint Command of the Armed Forces of Ecuador, the Ecuadorian Air Force and its counterpart from Peru have participated.
Quito / EFE
#Fires #burned #hectares #vegetation #January #Ecuador
2024-09-14 04:15:16
– What measures is Ecuador taking to combat the ongoing forest fire crisis?
Table of Contents
Ecuador Battles Devastating Forest Fires: Over 29,000 Hectares of Vegetation Lost and 285 People Affected
Ecuador is grappling with an unprecedented forest fire crisis, with nearly 30,000 hectares of vegetation ravaged since January, directly impacting 285 people. The National Secretariat for Risk Management (SNGR) revealed the alarming statistics in its latest report on forest fires, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Scale of the Devastation
As of September, a staggering 29,812.07 hectares of vegetation cover have been lost to forest fires, affecting 21 provinces across the country. The fires have ravaged 134 cantons and 514 parishes, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake.
Most Affected Provinces
The provinces of Loja, Azuay, Pichincha, Carchi, Imbabura, and Guayas have borne the brunt of the damage, with each losing more than 1,000 hectares of vegetation cover. Other provinces, including Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, El Oro, Cañar, Tungurahua, and Santa Elena, have lost over 100 hectares of vegetation each.
Peak Months of Forest Fires
August has been the month with the greatest impact, followed closely by July and September. The dry season, which typically runs from June to November, is characterized by hot and dry weather, making it the perfect breeding ground for forest fires.
Active Forest Fires
Currently, seven active forest fires are raging in the provinces of Azuay, Pichincha, Carchi, Cotopaxi, and Imbabura. Meanwhile, three forest fires are under control in Cotopaxi, Pichincha, and Carchi. The authorities are working tirelessly to contain these fires and prevent further damage.
Consequences of Forest Fires
Forest fires not only destroy vegetation cover but also have far-reaching consequences for the environment, human health, and the economy. They can:
Release massive amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change
Destroy habitats and ecosystems, leading to the loss of biodiversity
Affect air and water quality, posing health risks to humans and animals
Damage infrastructure, homes, and crops, resulting in significant economic losses
Combatting Forest Fires
The Ecuadorian government has taken steps to combat the forest fire crisis, including:
Conducting aerial reconnaissance to detect fires early
Deploying firefighting teams to affected areas
Implementing fire prevention measures, such as clearing dry vegetation and creating firebreaks
Raising awareness among local communities about the importance of forest fire prevention
Conclusion
Ecuador’s forest fire crisis is a stark reminder of the need for sustainable forest management practices, climate change mitigation, and community engagement. As the situation continues to unfold, it is essential for the government, local communities, and individuals to work together to prevent further damage and restore the affected areas.
Keyword List:
National Secretariat for Risk Management (SNGR)
Vegetation cover lost
Peak months of forest fires
Active forest fires
Consequences of forest fires
Combatting forest fires
Sustainable forest management
Climate change mitigation
Community engagement
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Ecuador is battling a devastating forest fire crisis, with nearly 30,000 hectares of vegetation lost and 285 people affected. Learn about the scale of the devastation, most affected provinces, and the consequences of forest fires.
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H1: Ecuador Battles Devastating Forest Fires: Over 29,000 Hectares of Vegetation Lost and 285 People Affected
H2: Scale of the Devastation
H2: Most Affected Provinces
H2: Peak Months of Forest Fires
H2: Active Forest Fires
H2: Consequences of Forest Fires
H2: Combatting Forest Fires
* H2: Conclusion
What are the main causes of the forest fire crisis in Ecuador?
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Ecuador Battles Devastating Forest Fires: Over 29,000 Hectares of Vegetation Lost and 285 People Affected
Ecuador is grappling with an unprecedented forest fire crisis, with nearly 30,000 hectares of vegetation ravaged since January, directly impacting 285 people. The National Secretariat
