According to the reports on Tuesday (19 November), Ecuador has declared a 60-day national emergency to address widespread wildfires, severe drought, and water shortages, according to Energy Minister Ines Manzano. The country is grappling with 17 active fires five under control, with the southern provinces of Azuay and Loja being the most affected. The emergency declaration aims to mobilize resources and coordinate efforts to combat the crisis.
The National Risk Management Secretariat is leading efforts to support firefighters in the hardest-hit regions. Authorities are working to contain the fires and mitigate the damage, as the situation continues to strain emergency response teams. These wildfires have intensified due to prolonged drought conditions, which have also affected water availability across Ecuador.
Since September, Ecuador’s severe drought has created an unprecedented energy crisis, forcing the government to implement large-scale power cuts. These cuts, lasting up to eight hours, are a result of depleted reservoirs that usually supply 90 percent of the nation’s hydroelectric power. The lack of rainfall has disrupted the operation of the country’s main hydroelectric plants.
This crisis highlights Ecuador’s vulnerability to extreme weather events and the urgent need for sustainable resource management. The government is focused on addressing immediate challenges while seeking long-term solutions to prevent similar emergencies. The situation underscores the growing impact of climate change on essential resources like water and energy.
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