CNN —Colombia declared a disaster situation on Thursday due to wildfires raging across several parts of the country, as the president warned the conditions could get worse.
Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro declared a “situation of disaster and calamity,” telling reporters that funds previously approved for other purposes are being redirected to deal with the crisis.
The government is also seeking international help, he said, adding that the United States, Chile, Peru and Canada, “which has enormous experience [fighting fires],” have responded to the call.
Raul Arboleda/AFP/Getty ImagesAt least 25 active fires were reported on Thursday by the National Disaster Risk Management Unit.
“We estimate that the phenomenon is composed of 70% fog and 30% smoke,” the Civil Aviation Authority of Colombia said on X.
Persons:
Gustavo Petro, ”, Petro, he’s, El Niño, Raul Arboleda
Organizations:
CNN —, United Nations, European Union, Getty, National Disaster Risk Management Unit, Civil Aviation Authority
Locations:
CNN — Colombia, United States, Chile, Peru, Canada, Bogota, AFP, El Dorado, Colombia