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Ecuador declares national emergency situation as wildfires, dry spell magnify

Ecuador's federal government stated a 60day nationwide emergency situation due to raging forest fires made worse by a severe dry spell, threat management authorities said on Monday.

The South American country faces 13 active wildfires and another 9 that have been managed, according to an upgrade from the federal government's interactions workplace.

The whole nation is suffering the devastations of this excellent dry spell that has currently lasted nearly 120 days, Danger Management Secretary Jorge Carrillo informed regional radio broadcaster FM Mundo.

He said it is vital to utilize aerial assistance to eliminate the wildfires as the areas are rugged and in some cases it takes firemens three hours to reach fires by land.

In the most-affected provinces, Azuay and Loja, the flames have consumed more than 10,000 hectares (24,700 acres).

The emergency situation decree comes as Ecuador fights with an energy crisis that has actually resulted in power interruptions of approximately 14 hours a. day in current months.

(source: Reuters)