Vina del Mar, Chile – President Gabriel Boric of Chile confirmed that at least 46 people have lost their lives in the devastating forest fires that continue to ravage the central region of the country. The death toll is expected to rise as the fires persist.
Chile’s interior minister, Carolina Tohá, reported that there are currently 92 forest fires in the center and south of Chile, where temperatures have been unusually high, leading to the destruction of over 1,000 homes. The most deadly of these fires have been in the Valparaíso region, urging authorities to advise residents to stay home in order to allow emergency vehicles to move more freely.
The devastating fires near the towns of Quilpué and Villa Alemana have already burned through at least 8,000 hectares (19,770 acres) since Friday, with one of the fires posing a threat to the coastal resort town of Viña del Mar. Entire blocks of homes and businesses in the Villa Independencia neighborhood have been completely destroyed, leaving many residents devastated.
In response to the crisis, three shelters have been set up in the Valparaíso region, and over 450 firefighters, as well as 19 helicopters, have been deployed to the affected areas. However, rescue teams are facing challenges in reaching the most affected areas due to the mountainous terrain where the fires are burning. The fires have also caused blackouts and led to the evacuation of hospitals and nursing homes. Two bus terminals have also been destroyed as a result of the fires.
The El Niño weather pattern has exacerbated the situation, causing droughts and hotter-than-usual temperatures across South America. The risk of forest fires has increased due to these conditions, as seen in Colombia where over 17,000 hectares (42,000 acres) of forests were destroyed by fires in January following several weeks of dry weather.
The scale of destruction and loss of life due to the wildfires in Chile underscores the urgent need for international assistance and cooperation in addressing the devastating impact of climate change on vulnerable communities.