Forest fires in Bolivia and Brazil are burning out of control, causing toxic fumes to accumulate with precipitation, leaving rain contaminated with ash, soot and carbon.
A dark shadow is beginning to cover the sky in some regions of Argentina. It is a coming “black rain”, a phenomenon that worries meteorologists because its consequences could be serious.
And it is about a type of black precipitation, which comes from smoke from forest fires encounters cold fronts. In this way, the rainwater becomes dirty (turns black) and carries all the polluting particles to the ground where it falls.
As the experts explained, The consequences of black rain can be serious not only for the environment, but also for the health of populations.
This is why the Argentine authorities are on alert: Following the severe forest fires in Bolivia and Brazil, black rains were expected to fall soon over much of Argentina.
This is what is known so far about this dangerous phenomenon.
What is the black rain that will fall on Argentina in the coming days?
According to the latest alerts from National Meteorological Service (SMN) of Argentina , Six provinces in the country have smoke warnings: Chaco, Corrientes, Formosa, Misiones, Salta and Santa Fe.
In addition, They predicted the formation of thunderstorms in the north of the country, consisting of “heavy rain and hail.”
At the same time, this precipitation front would have already entered the north of Paraguay in recent hours and, on social networks, Cases of “black rain” have been reported, resulting from fires in the continent’s Amazon rainforest.
In the archives, Buckets filled with black rainwater are seen, producing soot, black carbon and ash that travel through the air from intense forest fires. which are burning thousands of hectares in Bolivia and Brazil.
What precipitation does is “capture” these particles and then dump them on the ground, mixed with water.
That’s to say, Black rain is basically rain contaminated with dangerous particles from wildfires.
Regarding the consequences on the environment and human health, Greenpeace Argentina warned that “Air quality and visibility are affected while water can carry toxic substances that affect soil, drinking water, vegetation and even infrastructure.”
On this line, smoke and black rain may cause eye and respiratory tract irritation, possible respiratory infections, cell and mucosal damage, risk of complications in people with pre-existing conditions among other effects.
Additionally, people with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may experience worsened symptoms.
Given this, the Argentine Ministry of Health suggested:
- Limit outdoor exposure, especially on days when the highest concentration of smoke in the atmosphere is expected.
- People with pre-existing conditions (chronic respiratory diseases, such as asthma, COPD, allergies and cardiovascular disease) should pay particular attention to any worsening of symptoms and consult a doctor if necessary.
- Keep doors and windows closed to prevent particles from entering the house as well as the use of appropriate masks for those who must remain outside.
- Avoid strenuous physical activity outdoors and keep indoor spaces as free of contaminants as possible. by using the air conditioning in ventilation or recirculation mode and avoiding lighting candles or fireplaces.
What’s happening in the Amazon jungle of Bolivia and Brazil
Colossal and uncontrollable fires are burning millions of hectares in the continent’s Amazon rainforest, which has forced many residents to evacuate, and the emergency does not seem to be enough.
In Bolivia alone, forest fires have consumed nearly 4 million hectares this year. To get an idea of the impact of the damage, this size is almost equivalent to the entire surface area of Switzerland.
According to the latest reports, There are 74 active fires in the Santa Cruz department alone, and the Bolivian government appears to have exceeded its maximum capacity to support the firefighters.
At least two entire communities had to be evacuated after the fire engulfed dozens of homes.
In addition, Towns around Santa Cruz continue to be covered in smoke : Due to poor air quality, many schools have decided to suspend in-person classes.
For his part, In Brazil, 59,000 fires have been detected so far this year and now they are experiencing “the most intense fire season in 14 years,” according to Reuters.
According to the Brazilian government, As of Tuesday, a total of 6,718,025 hectares of the Brazilian Amazon have been devastated by fire. since the beginning of the year.
The fires are said to be caused, among other things, by the extreme drought that the Amazon is suffering from. Lack of water and dry vegetation would be easy “fuel” for forest fires, especially when the planet is experiencing warmer than normal temperatures.
Moreover, some do not exclude that they are caused by man: “Fires in the Amazon are often illegal and are mostly human-caused, as the jungle is humid and it is very rare for a fire to occur naturally” they said from Greenpeace Bolivia.
“Fires are almost always illegal, wildfires that occur naturally are rare and when they do occur they cover small areas” they concluded with the organization.
Source: Latercera
I am David Jack and I have been working in the news industry for over 10 years. As an experienced journalist, I specialize in covering sports news with a focus on golf. My articles have been published by some of the most respected publications in the world including The New York Times and Sports Illustrated.
