The president of Colombia, Abelardo de la Espriella, has presented this Sunday an extraordinary plan for environmental, productive, rural, and security recovery for the department of Tolima, in the west of the country, after the fires that, according to what he has denounced, have been "largely (...) deliberately provoked," and that have devastated "more than 50,000 hectares."
"While Colombia begins to rise from the earthquake, a new emergency strikes our land. Tolima is burning and I want to say something especially serious: tonight we have indications, information, and studies that show that a large part of these fires have been deliberately provoked by criminal hands," the head of State pointed out in an appearance before the media.
Detailing the impact of the catastrophe, De la Espriella has insisted that "more than 50,000" hectares have been devastated in the department, of which 28,000 correspond to agricultural lands. He has estimated the economic losses at around 36.5 million euros, with 2,660 affected producers, 163,000 animals in danger, damage in 23 municipalities, and impact on 507 rural areas of the Tolima territory.
According to the most recent update from the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD), 17 hotspots of forest fires in the area have been addressed so far. Twelve of them have already been controlled, while another five remain "pending attention."
Regarding the response plan, the president has announced that 343 subsidies of 17,700 euros each will be implemented for the reconstruction of rural homes damaged by fire. Additionally, 5,000 tons of hay and 5,000 tons of rice husk --agricultural waste formed by the leaves, stems, and roots that remain after the grain harvest-- will be distributed with the aim of ensuring the feeding of livestock, along with other complementary actions.
Furthermore, he has explained that healthcare and monitoring of respiratory diseases linked to smoke and pollution generated by the fires will be reinforced, with a special focus on the protection of children, elderly people, and vulnerable groups.
"We are not going to abandon Tolima when the last flame goes out. We are going to stay until we recover its field and its productive capacity. Tolima has a president with 'El Tigre'", concluded the far-right leader, referring to himself with the nickname he assumed after statements from former president Álvaro Uribe (2002-2010) prior to his presidential candidacy.