Drought-caused forest fires are raging in the Ecuadorian capital Quito after spreading from urban areas on the outskirts of the city, the civil protection service of Ecuador announced, DPA reported, quoted by BTA.
According to the service, hundreds of firefighters, soldiers and police with the help of helicopters are fighting the flames, and about 100 families have already been brought to safety. According to data from the Ecuadorian Meteorological Service, the country is experiencing the worst drought in about 60 years.
Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa wrote on the "X" platform that this situation "requires urgent solutions at all levels of government". Noboa cut short his visit for the UN General Assembly session in New York and returned to Ecuador to closely monitor the situation.
According to the president of Ecuador, it is possible that the recent fires were caused intentionally. Noboa wrote in "X" that "if it turns out that this was done deliberately the perpetrators will be charged with terrorism.