Ecuador Declares 60-Day Emergency Amid Wildfires

Ecuador has declared a 60-day state of national emergency due to severe wildfires exacerbated by a prolonged drought, which has lasted nearly 120 days. The country is currently battling 17 active wildfires, particularly affecting the provinces of Azuay and Loja, where over 10,200 hectares of land have been scorched. The emergency declaration will enable the government to mobilize additional resources and funds to combat the fires and manage the ongoing energy crisis that has led to power outages of up to 14 hours daily. More than 40,000 hectares of crops have been destroyed, and significant losses in livestock have been reported. The declaration comes amid a severe drought that has diminished water levels in hydroelectric dams, crucial for Ecuador's energy supply. Firefighting efforts are supported by international assistance, with helicopters from Peru and Italy deployed to aid in controlling the blazes.