CORRIENTES (AP) – Wildfires that have been ravaging northern Argentina for several weeks advanced relentlessly on Sunday, although the light rains that began over the weekend gave some hope to firefighters.
Corrientes province is the most affected area, where officials said at least eight separate fires continued to burn and had devastated at least nine per cent of its territory. The flames are consuming about 30,000 hectares a day in Corrientes, destroying almost 800,000 hectares so far, according to the latest official reports.
Strong winds, low humidity and dryness from drought have helped the fires spread since mid-January. Forecasters said the light rains that were falling on Sunday were expected to continue throughout the coming week.
The mainly rural province of farms, ranches and forests normally is characterised by abundant rain.
“It never happened to us, we never lived something like this, we were really overcome,” said one resident, Jorge Ayala.
Authorities estimate losses so far at more than ARS26 billion (more than USD240 million), and experts said the province could need years to recover.
Firefighting units have begun to arrive from all corners of Argentina and also from Brazil and Bolivia.
Artistes and public figures are campaigning to raise funds for the victims, while donations of basic goods are pouring into the area.
People are bringing fruit, water and ice, said Laura Núñez, a volunteer helping fight the blazes. “They bring it in a trailer, they are getting everything possible so that we can focus on the fire and try to help,” she said.
