The decision was made after analyzing the air quality information represented in the PM10 and PM2.5 parameters monitored in real time through an automatic station installed in the aforementioned reservation., in the jurisdiction of the municipality of Barrancas and on the occasion of the passage of a dense cloud of dust from the Sahara desert.

Riohacha, 27 de junio de 2020

Taking into account the arrival of a dust cloud from the Sahara Desert and the constant monitoring of its behavior through air quality measurement stations and satellite images, Regional Autonomous Corporation of La Guajira, declared the level of prevention for air pollution in the Nuevo Espinal Reservation located in the municipality of Barrancas and in surrounding sites.

The decision is supported by technical arguments that warn about excess levels of particulate matter less than 2.5 microns in the Resguardo and surrounding sites, for which the entity communicated to the municipal mayor, to the Temporary Health Administration, to the municipal Risk Management Committee and the mining companies settled in the area so that from their powers, The necessary measures are taken in order to minimize the environmental effects and the health of the residents of this area of ​​the department..

Taking into account the health risks that this phenomenon may generate, Corpoguajira recommends that the inhabitants of the department and especially those of the Nuevo Espinal Reservation take the following precautions:

• Stay indoors and close the doors and windows of these homes..
• People with chronic respiratory conditions (like COPD, asthma, etc.), older adults, pregnant women and children; they should refrain from leaving the houses while the high concentrations of particulate matter continue. If for any reason it becomes necessary to leave said homes, use of respiratory protectors is recommended, preferably masks with N95 filter.
• The other members of the Nuevo Espinal Indigenous Reservation, avoid unnecessary exposure to ambient air while the risk situation exists.
• Cover containers that contain water for human consumption or wells from which the precious liquid is extracted in order to avoid contamination by particulate matter..
• Be attentive to the information that CORPOGUAJIRA will be generating regarding the topic..

Although levels of airborne particulate matter are expected to decrease, Corpoguajira recommends that the community maintain the necessary precautions and that the entities take actions to minimize the risks.. This measure will be in force until the air pollution factors that gave rise to it disappear., whether caused by the Saharan Air Layer or others that alter the air quality in this area.