Avila Fire Outside Caracas Consumes 120 ha

Image of the Day:

A massive blaze on the Avila mountain overlooking Caracas rages on into third day

Venezuela is experiencing a prolonged drought which has critically reduced water levels in the country’s hydroelectric dams causing electricity crisis. President Chavez declared a national emergency in the electricity sector last month as the water level in Guri Dam fell by 14 cm (5.5 in). Venezuela depends on hydroelectric power generation for about 70 percent of its needs.  Continued drought would dramatically affect the nation’s hydroelectric power generation capacity.

A helicopter drops water over a wild forest fire at the Avila national park, known also as Waraira Repano, in Caracas March 22, 2010. Credit: REUTERS/Jorge Silva. Image may be subject to copyright.

“Since the weekend, the fire has lit up the night sky and consumed nearly 120 hectares (300 acres) of the Avila’s thickly wooded slopes, which are home to more than 120 mammal species and 500 types of bird.” Reuters reported. More …

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