Bolivia: Alert on the spread of smoke damage from forest fires

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September 10, 2024

● On September 7, the Bolivian government issued a national health alert due to severe air pollution caused by wildfires, mainly in the Santa Cruz department.

● Currently, the air quality in Santa Cruz, Beni, and Pando departments has reached a critical level for health, while in La Paz department, it has reached harmful levels for health.

● Airports, including Viru Viru International Airport in Santa Cruz, have been temporarily closed.

● The Bolivian government recommends wearing masks in areas severely affected by air pollution.

● Please make efforts to stay informed, and in regions where air pollution is severe, take health precautions such as closing doors and windows when indoors, avoiding non-essential outings, and wearing a mask if you must go outside.

  1. Since around July, numerous wildfires have occurred in Bolivia, particularly in the Santa Cruz department. Recently, however, the smoke from the wildfires has significantly worsened air quality. As a result, on September 7, the Bolivian government (Ministry of Health) issued a national health alert (Alerta Sanitaria Nacional) due to the severe air pollution caused by the wildfires.

    In particular, the air quality in the Santa Cruz, Beni, and Pando departments, where many wildfires have occurred and the impact of the smoke is significant, has reached a critical level for health. In La Paz department, it has reached harmful levels for health, and there have been serious impacts on daily life, such as the closure of airports. For example, at Santa Cruz’s Viru Viru International Airport, visibility decreased to 900 meters after 6 a.m. on September 9, and takeoffs were halted until visibility improved to at least 1,500 meters. As of 8:30 a.m., visibility had improved to 1,600 meters, and normal operations had resumed for both arrivals and departures. However, there is a possibility of further closures depending on changes in the situation. If you are planning to use the airport, please check with airport authorities and airlines for updates.

    Additionally, on September 7, the Bolivian government (Ministry of Defense) declared a national emergency (Emergencia Nacional) in response to the wildfires.

  2. In various areas, including Santa Cruz, visibility has worsened, and the smoke has affected urban areas, leading to air quality levels that severely impact health. The authorities recommend wearing masks in areas where air pollution is severe. On September 8, the Ministry of Education requested public schools in the Santa Cruz, Beni, and Pando departments to switch to virtual classes or implement temporary closures starting Monday, September 9.
  3. As the air pollution situation and related measures are constantly changing, we urge you to stay informed and take health precautions, especially in regions where air pollution is severe. When indoors, keep doors and windows closed, avoid unnecessary outings, and wear a mask if you must go outside.

(Reference Links)

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