Apr 19th, 2008 | By Josh | Category: Featured
The smoke that has blanketed Buenos Aires for the past week will continue through at least Wednesday, Servicio Meteorologico Nacional warned today. On Wednesday the wind patterns will provide a respite from the smoke choking the city, however the relief will be minor and short lived.
For city residents the negative health affects of living downwind from a 10,000-hectare grass fire are starting to take hold. Over 400 people have been admitted to hospitals for smoke related ailments, prompting the Ministry of Health to declare a yellow alert for hospitals, ophthalmologists and pediatricians. Authorities in La Plata have recommended people not leave their homes unless absolutely necessary.
UPDATE 4/21 03:45 : SMN is predicting that the winds will shift back to the south this morning, providing another smoky day in Capital. Slight clearing may occur by mid-afternoon. Residents are again warned to take precautions against the smoke.
The Interior Ministry is stating that rain is needed to completely extinguish the fires, which unfortunately isn’t in the forecast until Thursday at the earliest.
An additional farmer has been arrested for setting fires and police are currently searching for a fourth suspect. The total number charged now stands at four.
Over 300 people have filed a $15 million lawsuit against farm owners, as well as the provincial and national governments for the damage caused by the fires and the smoke.
