8,000 square kilometres of land burnt: wildfire in Argentina rages

Updated : Feb 21, 2022 14:29
|
AP

Firefighters in Argentina were on Sunday continuing to battle a devastating wildfire in Argentina's northeastern province of Corrientes.

According to a report by the National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA) released Friday, the fire has burnt around 800,000 hectares (8,000 square kilometres) of land, or nearly 10% of the region's area.

"This is atypical, historic, never happened (before), we never lived (with) something like this,"  said local resident, Jorge Ayala.

"We were really overwhelmed. This is what I can tell you know. This a blow for the province (of Corrientes)."

The blaze was threatening wildlife in the Iberá National Park, the largest wetland in the country and one of its largest ecosystems.

Also watch: Chopper crashes near crowded beach in USA's Miami; 2 hospitalised

Many animals have been burned by flames or poisoned by smoke, while others have been run over on roads while trying to escape the fires.

Corrientes Governor Gustavo Valdes declared the province an "ecological and environmental disaster zone."

WildfiresArgentina

Recommended For You

editorji | World

Starmer resigns as UK PM, Burnham favourite to take over

editorji | World

G7 summit: PM Modi holds brief conversation with US President Trump

editorji | World

Trump arrives at G7 summit looking for momentum after announcing a deal to end Iran war

editorji | World

India, Slovakia upgrade ties to comprehensive partnership; ink 11 pacts

editorji | World

All 22 crew members evacuated after third vessel with Indians on board was attacked off Oman