Colombia: Red wildfire alerts in effect August 17

Event

The national meteorological agency IDEAM (Instituto de Hidrología, Meteorología y Estudios Ambientales) has issued highest-level red alerts for various areas throughout Colombia due to the high risk of wildfires. The alerts are in effect as of Thursday, August 17, in parts of the departments of Boyacá, Caquetá, Cauca, Cesar, Cundinamarca, Huila, La Guajira, Meta, Nariño, Santander, Tolima, and Valle del Cauca . The alerts will likely be extended into the coming days in some or all of these areas.

Context

Wildfires are a common occurrence in Colombia, particularly during periods of drought and high temperatures.

Advice

Individuals in the above areas are advised to keep abreast of the situation and to follow any instructions issued by the local authorities.