Peru’s Ancient Secrets Go Up in Flames: 9 Pre-Inca Sites Devastated by Raging Forest Fires
Peru Declares State of Emergency in Amazon Regions Amid Forest Fires
Over 30 Active Fires Destroy 5,634 Hectares of Crops and Natural Areas
Lima, September 20 (AP) – Peru reported that nine archaeological sites of pre-Inca cultures were affected by the forest fires present in most regions of the country, leaving 16 dead, over 140 injured, and ruining more than 5,600 hectares of natural areas and agricultural fields.
Archaeological Sites Affected by Forest Fires
Martín Córdova, general director of Immovable Archaeological Heritage, stated that in the Amazon region, bordering Ecuador, three funeral places called Ayachaqui, Léngate, and Pueblo de los Muertos were affected by the fire. These sites are a set of stone sarcophagi next to chasms and belonged to the Chachapoyas culture between the 8th and 16th centuries.
The three burial places are located in the Amazonas region in the municipality of Lámud. The fire, which lasted for over two weeks, destroyed the vegetation, wooden railings, rest huts, and benches near the archaeological zones.
Other Affected Archaeological Sites
Another funerary site, Ventanillas de Apán, located in the Cajamarca region, was also affected. This site features hundreds of stone holes in arch shapes where ancient Peruvians were buried.
In a rural area in the La Libertad region, the archaeological site of Marcahuamachuco was affected. It was built of stone on top of a plateau and served as a pilgrimage center to worship gods from the pre-Inca culture called Huamachuco.
Government Response to Forest Fires
The Government of Peru declared a state of emergency in three regions of the Amazon to speed up the fight against the fire. There are over 30 active fires, which have destroyed 5,634 hectares of crops and natural areas, leaving 16 people dead and over 140 injured.
President Dina Boluarte announced that the logistics of the armed forces were “poor” and that the forest fires were caused by humans. “Let’s not play with fire, it’s dangerous,” she said.
The president of Peru, Dina Boluarte, announced this Wednesday a state of emergency in 3 Amazonian regions affected by forest fires, which have left 16 dead and thousands of hectares of crops destroyed.
The regions in crisis are Amazonas, San Martín and Ucayali. pic.twitter.com/quaPs2jGvS
— InformaES (@InformaESV) September 18, 2024