Plan International provides emergency assistance as forest fires rage in Bolivia
12 September 2024Plan International has scaled up humanitarian assistance to children and families in Bolivia as the country battles some of its worst forest fires ever recorded.
As a result of raging wildfires, Air Quality Index (AQI) readings are now surpassing hazardous levels of 400, placing children’s health at risk due to smoke and air pollution.
On Monday, 9th September, the Bolivian government announced the suspension of in-person classes nationwide, transitioning to virtual learning due to the high air pollution.
With a total of 3,749 active fire hotspots, Bolivia leads the list of the most impacted South American countries, representing 47.9% of the total fires in the region, according to data from the Brazilian Institute for Space Research (INPE).
In response to this emergency, Plan International will provide humanitarian assistance in the most affected areas, in the municipalities of El Puente, San Ramón, and San Javier of the department of Santa Cruz, where the organisation operates.
Food kits and assistance to firefighters
The organisation has begun distributing food kits and direct assistance to firefighters who are battling the fires day and night. Additionally, support is planned for the families and communities that are in the fire’s path.
We are very concerned for the children and families caught in these devastating and relentless fires.
Marco Rojas, Country Representative of Plan International in Bolivia
The Bolivian government has declared a national state of emergency after more than 4 million hectares of forests and grasslands—an area equivalent to the size of Switzerland—were devastated by the flames.
Air quality has significantly deteriorated, particularly affecting girls, boys, and adolescents who are already facing significant vulnerabilities. Plan International is working with its local partners to mitigate the impact of this crisis on children, ensuring the protection and well-being of those affected by the smoke and the loss of livelihoods.
“We are very concerned for the children and families caught in these devastating and relentless fires. We are moving quickly to get life-saving support to those in need, while also supporting firefighters who are on the front line. Every moment counts, and we are doing everything we can to protect those most vulnerable.” said Marco Rojas, Country Representative of Plan International in Bolivia.
Climate crisis and drought
The Amazon region of Bolivia, along with other rural areas, has suffered from fires exacerbated by a historic drought, combined with grassland burning practices for agriculture, and the increasingly severe effects of the climate crisis.
The reduced flow of major rivers has left several rural communities isolated, making it difficult to access basic services and further endangering children’s health and safety.
Plan International continues to coordinate with local authorities and partner organisations to map out needs and ensure that assistance reaches the most affected communities quickly.
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