Colombia Declares Disaster Amid Widespread Wildfires, Seeks International Aid
Hotter-than-normal temperatures and dry conditions, worsened by El Niño, fuel fires; air quality deteriorates as Bogota is surrounded by at least three fires.
- Colombia has declared a disaster due to dozens of wildfires spreading throughout the country, destroying more than 6,600 hectares of vegetation and prompting a request for international aid.
- Chile, Peru, Canada, and the United States have responded to the aid request, but a timeline for the aid is not yet clear.
- The increase in fires is due to hotter-than-normal temperatures and dry conditions, worsened by the El Niño phenomenon.
- Air quality has deteriorated in many areas, particularly in Bogota, the capital, where at least three fires surround the city.
- More than 600 soldiers, along with aircraft and vehicles, have been deployed to emergency areas.
The Seattle Times 
Voice of America (VOA News) 
CNN 
Fox News 
Associated Press 
