At least 15 dead in Peruvian forest fires: MercoPress

At least 15 dead in Peruvian forest fires

Efforts from ill-equipped local communities are not enough. Help from Lima and abroad is very much needed

At least 15 people have died as a result of uncontrollable forest fires that have affected 22 of Peru’s 24 departments. Peru’s National Civil Defense Institute (Indeci) said that the departments of Cuzco, Cajamarca, Huancavelica, and Huánuco were the worst affected areas. In the Amazonas region, authorities are already talking of a “catastrophe” in the midst of a historic drought after three months without rain.

Amazonas Lieutenant Governor Leyda Gueiler Rimarachín described the situation as a catastrophe in the entire region, mentioning the destruction of habitats and the archeological site Pueblo de los Muertos, which used to welcome tourists. Efforts from volunteer firefighters, SERNANP, and local communities are insufficient, highlighting the need for help from Lima and greater international cooperation.

National Emergency Operations Center Coordinator Martin del Castillo Merino reported 233 forest fires nationwide, with 32 still active. The main causes include pasture burning, leading to environmental deterioration and impacting nearby communities. The fires have claimed 15 lives, emphasizing the urgent need for assistance to combat the crisis.