Ecuador has declared a national emergency in response to escalating forest fires and severe water shortages. On Monday, the country’s emergency management secretariat, SNGR, announced that the state of emergency, approved by the environment ministry, will be in effect for 60 days.
The forest fires have consumed more than 10,000 hectares in the southern regions of the country so far this month. The combination of drought conditions and water shortages has exacerbated the situation, posing significant challenges for authorities and residents alike.
The emergency declaration allows for the mobilization of resources and coordination among various agencies to combat the fires and address the water crisis. Officials emphasize the urgent need for measures to mitigate the impact on affected communities and preserve the environment.
The situation highlights the pressing issues of climate change and environmental degradation, which have far-reaching effects beyond Ecuador’s borders. As global weather patterns shift, countries worldwide are grappling with similar challenges, underscoring the importance of collective action in addressing environmental crises.
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Ecuador declares emergency for forest fires, water shortages
cgtn.com
