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Bolivia

Bolivia: Wildfires - DREF Operational (MDRBO017)

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Description of the Event

Date of event

08-09-2024

What happened, where and when?

As of mid-July 2024, Bolivia experienced a rapid increase in the intensity of forest fires, with the highest incidence in the eastern departments of Santa Cruz and Beni. According to data from the Heat Foci Monitoring System (SIMB), as of 10 September, more than 46,536 heat spots were registered, with 80% concentrated in Santa Cruz.

An analysis by UNOSAT (United Nations satellite center) reveals that, on that same date, around 11,400 people resided within a radius of 500 meters from the hot spots, exposing them to health and safety risks. At the national level, the Ministry of Environment and Water (MMAyA) reported fires in 27 municipalities and an affected area of 3,872,498 hectares, of which 59.4% corresponded to the department of Santa Cruz and 37.7% to the department of Beni. 40% of the affected area is forest and 60% pastureland.

According to the situation report of the Humanitarian Country Team as of 11 September, active fires are concentrated in the municipalities of Concepción, Urubichá and Ascención de Guarayos, in the deparment of Santa Cruz, and San José, in the department of Beni.

The severity of the situation led the government to declare a state of national emergency on 8 September (Supreme Decree No. 5219), due to the impact on the environment, public health, biodiversity, and the productive activities of the population. At least 54 municipalities were affected, of which 23 declared a state of disaster and 5 a state of emergency (1).

The fires have significantly impacted the health of the population, with a significant deterioration of air quality in regions such as Cobija (Department of Pando), Beni and Santa Cruz, reaching extremely dangerous levels. In response to this situation, the Ministry of Education recommended the virtual modality for schools in these departments, due to the impact of smoke on the health of students.

As of 16 September, 25,335 people (5,067 families) were officially reported by the Vice minister of Civil Defense as affected and according to the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) at least 124,000 exposed, although it is estimated that these figures could be higher due to difficulties in collecting data in remote areas. At least 60 homes were affected, and two deaths were reported.

The forest fires have had a significant impact on local communities, causing damage to infrastructure, livelihoods, and water systems.

According to reports from the Bolivian Red Cross, several communities have seen their homes and livelihoods affected. Priority needs identified include food, medicines, drinking water and reconstruction materials.
To deal with this emergency, the government has deployed a major firefighting operation, involving more than 3,195 forest firefighters and 8 aircraft that have discharged 1,176 water releases. National and international coordination mechanisms have also been activated, receiving support from countries such as Chile, Brazil, Uruguay, Peru and Venezuela.

The health sector has responded by attending to more than 6,326 cases, but the magnitude of the emergency has exceeded the system's response capacity. The Government has requested international support specialized in emergency management, as well as equipment, tools and supplies to fight the fires and assist the affected populations. In addition, food has been requested to meet the needs of at least 10,000 people.

Despite the efforts made by the Government and relief agencies, the situation remains complex as the drought in the departments of Santa Cruz and Beni could extend beyond October, increasing the risk of fire spread. Finally, it is expected that the full recovery of damaged ecosystems and the reconstruction of communities will require a joint, long-term effort by regional and national governments and humanitarian organizations.