Flames ravaged sugarcane crops and endangered homes in Ancuya, Nariño: 'We ask for help, please, we are in danger'

Residents of Ancuya, Nariño, experienced intense fear and desperation as a large wildfire raged through the rural area of El Rosario, threatening homes and consuming sugarcane fields. The blaze, which ignited on Monday evening, spread rapidly, causing panic among the inhabitants who could only watch helplessly as flames approached their dwellings. Dramatic videos shared on social media captured the magnitude of the emergency and the villagers' cries for assistance.

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We ask for help, please, we are in danger here in El Rosario, dear God.

One distraught woman was heard weeping and pleading for help, stating, "We ask for help, please, we are in danger here in El Rosario, dear God." Another resident described the scene, noting the thick smoke and the fire's advance towards neighboring areas, adding, "The animals have to be moved." The urgency was palpable as another neighbor appealed to rescue organizations, reporting active fires in the Los Parapetos area of Linares and the destruction of hectares of sugarcane and houses.

Gabriel Ocaña, administrative director of Disaster Risk Management for Nariño, confirmed that special attention was being given to the homes in El Rosario. The Ancuya mayor's office is evaluating the situation to determine if a precautionary evacuation of residents is necessary, especially with nightfall approaching. Efforts are underway to coordinate with the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD) for potential aerial support should the situation escalate.

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Look at the smoke that is there, gentlemen, it has started in the El Rosario village and is moving towards El Tablón village; El Rosario has already caught fire, the animals have to be moved.

Firefighters from various municipalities have joined forces to combat the fire. The departmental administration is actively coordinating the response through the Departmental Risk Management System, mobilizing additional emergency personnel as needed. The public is advised to rely solely on official channels for information regarding the evolving emergency.

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Help, please, at this moment there are active fires in the Los Parapetos village, in Linares; hectares of sugarcane are burning, houses too, this is horrible.