Forest fires kill 112 in Chile's worst disaster since 2010 earthquake
Chile's central region is waging a tough battle against massive forest fires, the deadliest since the 2010 earthquake, with a death toll of 112.
As firefighters strive to contain the flames, President Gabriel Boric cautioned of the extensive tragedy unfolding.
With numerous people still unaccounted for, concerns are growing that the number of fatalities may rise as searches continue in the fire-ravaged landscapes.
The infernos, escalating since Friday, now threaten Vina del Mar and Valparaiso, two coastal cities with a combined population exceeding a million to the west of Santiago.
Drone footage evidenced neighborhoods reduced to ash with locals sifting through the remnants of their homes amidst melted vehicles on the streets.
Victims recount the relentless winds and intense heat that fueled the disaster. Social media videos capture the proximity of the blaze to residential areas, resulting in a smoke-filled atmosphere hindering visibility.
Authorities have imposed a 9 p.m. curfew, enlisted military support, and employed helicopters for aerial water drops to combat the fires. The state coroner confirmed 112 deaths, a significant increase from the 51 reported on Saturday.
President Boric has declared a two-day national mourning period, acknowledging the extensive loss and grief. Deputy Interior Minister Manuel Monsalve noted 165 active fires and roughly 14,000 homes damaged in the affected zones.
Residents returning find little left of their belongings, with many facing the complete loss of their properties and livelihoods.
While wildfires are a recurring summer event in the Southern Hemisphere, the scale and fatality of these fires are particularly severe. Boric is mobilizing relief funds to the impacted regions, emphasizing life preservation as the primary focus.
With numerous people still unaccounted for, concerns are growing that the number of fatalities may rise as searches continue in the fire-ravaged landscapes.
The infernos, escalating since Friday, now threaten Vina del Mar and Valparaiso, two coastal cities with a combined population exceeding a million to the west of Santiago.
Drone footage evidenced neighborhoods reduced to ash with locals sifting through the remnants of their homes amidst melted vehicles on the streets.
Victims recount the relentless winds and intense heat that fueled the disaster. Social media videos capture the proximity of the blaze to residential areas, resulting in a smoke-filled atmosphere hindering visibility.
Authorities have imposed a 9 p.m. curfew, enlisted military support, and employed helicopters for aerial water drops to combat the fires. The state coroner confirmed 112 deaths, a significant increase from the 51 reported on Saturday.
President Boric has declared a two-day national mourning period, acknowledging the extensive loss and grief. Deputy Interior Minister Manuel Monsalve noted 165 active fires and roughly 14,000 homes damaged in the affected zones.
Residents returning find little left of their belongings, with many facing the complete loss of their properties and livelihoods.
While wildfires are a recurring summer event in the Southern Hemisphere, the scale and fatality of these fires are particularly severe. Boric is mobilizing relief funds to the impacted regions, emphasizing life preservation as the primary focus.
