Forest fires in Colombia have spread to seven departments and destroyed about 11,000 hectares after being fuelled by drought and heat, officials said.

The National Authority for Risk and Disaster Management counted about 31 active foci in the provinces of Tolima, Cauca, Cundinamarca, Huila, Valle del Cauca, Nariño and Amazonas, according to a recent count published on the ‘X’ platform.

Authorities sent eight planes to fight a fire that broke out in the village of Nagatayma in Tolima department, injuring two people and destroying a canal and houses.
Colombia and neighbouring countries are facing their worst drought in decades, which experts have blamed on climate change.