Wildfires and energy shortages push Ecuador to declare a national emergency

Ecuador has declared a 60-day national emergency as drought-fueled wildfires devastate farmland, worsen power outages and stretch the country's resources.

Deutsche Welle.

In short:

• Ecuador is battling 13 active wildfires while dealing with a 120-day drought that has destroyed 40,000 hectares of crops and killed over 44,000 farm animals, according to government data.
• A state of emergency allows for the release of funds and additional resources, including international helicopter support from Peru and Italy.
• The crisis is compounded by an energy shortage, with blackouts lasting up to 14 hours daily in some areas.

Key quote:

“The whole country is suffering the ravages of this great drought that has already lasted almost 120 days.”

— Jorge Carrillo, Risk Management Secretary.

Why this matters:

Prolonged drought and wildfires in Ecuador highlight the interplay between climate impacts and infrastructure vulnerabilities. Agricultural losses threaten food security, and power shortages disrupt daily life, underscoring the need for comprehensive disaster planning.

Learn more:

• Ecuador’s forest win sets global precedent for nature’s legal rights
• Ecuador's nature rights movement faces new challenges amid energy shifts
• Lawyer champions Indigenous rights in pivotal Ecuador oil case