CILE: Forest fires sweeping through central Chile have killed at least 51 people, with authorities warning that the death toll is likely to rise further as emergency services strive to contain flames encroaching on urban areas. The Valparaiso region, home to nearly one million inhabitants, witnessed billowing black smoke as firefighters deployed helicopters and trucks to combat the infernos.
Some of the hardest-hit areas are in proximity to the coastal tourist city of Vina del Mar, where rescue teams are grappling to reach affected regions, according to Chilean authorities. Interior Minister Carolina Toha expressed concern about the situation in Valparaiso, labeling it the country’s most dire disaster since the 2010 earthquake that killed around 500 people.
Chile President Declares Situation ‘Very Difficult’
President Gabriel Boric, addressing the nation in a televised speech, acknowledged the severity of the situation, stating, “The situation is really very difficult.” While wildfires are not uncommon in Chile during the summer months, the current scenario is exacerbated by the rapidly multiplying number of hectares affected.
Last year, amid a record heat wave, wildfires killed 27 people and impacted over 400,000 hectares (990,000 acres). Toha highlighted that although the current area with fires is smaller than last year, the number of affected hectares is increasing rapidly. Between Friday and Saturday, the area affected by the wildfires expanded from 30,000 to 43,000 hectares (110,000 acres).
Authorities are particularly concerned about active fires developing in close proximity to urban areas, posing a significant threat to people, homes, and facilities. The emergency response teams are working tirelessly to contain the fires and mitigate further casualties and damage.
