🕒 Created · Updated

Abelardo De La Espriella provides balance of forest fires in Tolima and announces relief measures

President Abelardo De La Espriella delivered a presidential address on August 30, reporting that forest fires in Tolima have affected more than 50,000 hectares, including 28,000 agricultural hectares. The fires have resulted in losses exceeding COP 134 billion and put 163,000 animals at risk across 23 municipalities and 597 veredas. President Abelardo De La Espriella noted that investigations indicate many of the fires were deliberately triggered by human activity. To address the crisis, the administration announced a recovery plan that includes COP 65 million subsidies for 343 rural housing units, 5,000 tons of each of hay and rice barley for livestock, and COP 7 billion for productive projects. Additionally, the administration announced a three-month freeze on agricultural debt amortization for affected farmers. Governor Adriana Matiz reported that concentrated smoke in certain sectors has hindered aircraft operations, making it difficult to drop water and retardant. Relief efforts are currently focused on the eastern part of Tolima, specifically the municipalities of Suárez and Cunday, to protect residents and water sources.

Sources