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Argentina: In the province of Corrientes, fires cause agricultural losses
Audio 01:13
Cattle not far from a column of fire in Santo Tome, province of Corrientes, on Sunday, February 20, 2022. AP - Rodrigo Abd
Text by: RFI Follow
1 min
While the majority of fires in the province of Corrientes in Argentina are now under control, it is time for the first assessments.
Since mid-January, more than a million hectares have gone up in smoke, and many agricultural lands have been affected.
According to the Argentine Rural Society, the losses for the agricultural sector amount to at least 500 million euros.
Testimony of a producer whose farm burned down.
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From our correspondent in Buenos Aires
,
Théo Conscience
Luis Argilaga raises cows and horses in Santo Tomé, near the border with Brazil.
On Saturday February 19, fire outbreaks were reported on his farm.
Until Sunday morning, he tries in vain to contain them.
“
We had to flee because of the fire.
I was in my van, and I couldn't distance myself from the lights, they were progressing too much
, ”he notes.
He finds refuge with his children and his employees on a part of his property already consumed by the flames.
When he finally returns to the family farm, fires have devoured his pastures, burned his barn and destroyed an almost new tractor.
“
There were dead animals, even the photographer couldn't take a picture of them, it was so horrible.
A bridge had collapsed, and everything was black everywhere.
»
While he continues to uncover new damage every day, the rancher estimates the fires have cost him at least $700,000.
“
It was hell to see all that work go to waste.
I don't want my children to see me like this, so I cry when I'm alone.
But I'll get over it and carry on.
Luis Argilaga now hopes that the aid promised by the state and the province will be released quickly so that he can get back to work.
►Also read: Argentina: in the province of Corrientes, fires threaten biodiversity
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