Chile Faces Deadliest Wildfire in a Decade with 51 Fatalities
Chilean authorities reported on the 3rd of February that wildfires raging across various regions in Chile have resulted in at least 51 fatalities. As the fires continue to spread, some bodies lie on the streets, and over 1,000 buildings have been destroyed. Due to the hundreds of people missing in surrounding towns, authorities anticipate that the death toll will further escalate.
The forest fires in Chile were triggered by a combination of summer heatwaves and drought associated with the El Niño phenomenon. The flames have gradually encroached upon the coastal tourist towns of Vina del Mar and Valparaiso, where approximately one million people reside. The arid weather conditions, coupled with scorching temperatures soaring to 40 degrees Celsius, have exacerbated this crisis. In response, Chilean President Gabriel Boric declared a state of emergency for the central and southern regions, along with implementing a curfew to facilitate the entry of relief supplies into the disaster-stricken areas.
According to Chile’s Minister of the Interior, Carolina Toha, a total of 92 fire incidents have occurred nationwide, affecting an area exceeding 43,000 hectares. As of the afternoon of the 3rd, firefighting teams are still battling 29 active fires, while 40 others are under control. Santiago, the capital of Chile, experienced its second-hottest January on record, influenced by the El Niño phenomenon.
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