Santa Cruz Declares State of Emergency Amid Extreme Weather and Wildfires

The Bolivian department of Santa Cruz has declared a state of emergency due to extreme weather, including wildfires, until the end of the year. These conditions have disrupted fuel supplies and exacerbated diesel shortages, making firefighting efforts challenging. The decree calls for urgent government action to address the climate-related crises.

The Bolivian department of Santa Cruz has declared a state of emergency due to extreme weather, which includes wildfires, until the end of the year, according to a decree published on Thursday.

Recent wildfires in eastern Bolivia are disrupting fuel supplies to specific areas by train, exacerbating diesel shortages and making firefighting efforts more difficult. "A departmental emergency is declared due to climatic changes causing heavy rains, floods, droughts, strong winds, extreme temperatures, forest fires, and environmental pollution," the decree stated.

The emergency, effective through December 30, urges the government to release funds and resources to address these disasters swiftly. Bolivia, which has seen increased deforestation, has significant wetland areas and a substantial part of the Amazon rainforest. The decree highlighted that 14 municipalities had declared disasters due to various weather events, with significant hectares affected by active fires. Scientists warn this month could surpass July's record for fires in Bolivia, based on satellite imagery analysis.

(With inputs from agencies.)