2024-09-18 01:52:37
Iris María Ortiz, Ombudsman, has stressed the urgent need to implement preventive measures to protect both the communities and the ecosystems affected by these disasters.
Amid a growing forest fire crisis in Colombia, Ombudsman Iris María Ortiz has made an urgent call to local, regional and national authorities to step up action in the face of the current drought season that has sparked 16 forest fires in various departments of the country.
Ortiz stressed the urgent need to implement preventive measures to protect both communities and ecosystems affected by these disasters. The situation has become particularly critical with the impact of the El Niño phenomenon, which began on November 3, 2023, and is expected to continue until November 30, 2024. According to the Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology and Environmental Studies of Colombia (Ideam), this climatic phenomenon has significantly increased the risk of fires in forest, crop and pasture areas.
The National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (Ungrd) currently reports active fires in Tolima (8), Huila (4), Cauca (2) and Valle del Cauca (1). In contrast, fires have been brought under control in Huila (2), Tolima (1) and Cundinamarca (1). The recent fire in Huila has had a notable impact, affecting a nature reserve and four municipal aqueducts, which highlights the seriousness of the problem.
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Effective coordination
The Ombudsman has emphasized the need for effective coordination between institutions to manage the wave of drought and heat that contributes to these fires. “Planning, knowledge of our territories and intersectoral coordination are crucial for the prevention and response to these events. It is the responsibility of the State to guarantee the life, integrity and safety of people,” said Ortiz.
The Ombudsman’s Office has recommended several key measures to address the crisis. These include strengthening disaster risk management, updating emergency response strategies at the territorial level, and consolidating the bodies responsible for risk management. In addition, emergency plans have been urged to be reviewed and updated, including protocols for caring for animals in crisis, in compliance with Law 2294 of 2023.
Ortiz also noted that the devastation of more than 6,400 hectares in September underscores the need for swift and effective action by all levels of government. The Ombudsman has made an urgent call to all agencies responsible for disaster risk management to maintain their commitment to protecting affected communities and not to reduce their efforts.
The forest fire crisis in Colombia not only represents an immediate challenge to the safety and well-being of people, but also to the preservation of the country’s vital ecosystems. Coordinated action and effective response by authorities are essential to mitigate the impact of these disasters and protect the natural environment.
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