Chile Wildfires Claim 99 Lives, President Declares Emergency
The death toll from the devastating wildfires in central Chile has risen to 99, with President Gabriel Boric warning that the number will continue to rise as search teams comb through the destroyed neighborhoods. The coastal tourist region of Valparaiso is being ravaged by fires, exacerbated by a scorching summer heatwave that has seen temperatures soar to 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) over the weekend.
Rosana Avendano, a 63-year-old kitchen assistant, recounted the horror of being unable to reach her house as the fire engulfed her seaside city of Vina del Mar. She and her husband lost everything in the blaze, but fortunately, they were able to make contact with each other. Lilian Rojas, a retiree, described the complete destruction of her neighborhood near the Vina del Mar botanical garden.
The organization responsible for managing the victims’ bodies has reported receiving 99 individuals, with 32 of them identified. President Boric, who flew over the affected area in a helicopter, has declared a state of emergency and pledged government support for the affected communities. This disaster is the deadliest the country has faced since the 2010 earthquake and tsunami that claimed 500 lives.
According to the national disaster service, nearly 26,000 hectares (64,000 acres) have been consumed by the fires in the central and southern regions. Firefighters, military personnel, and volunteers, totaling around 1,400, are battling the flames with the aid of 31 firefighting helicopters and airplanes. Despite their efforts, the fire chief warns that the weather conditions will continue to pose challenges.
To ensure public safety, authorities have implemented a curfew and ordered evacuations in the affected areas. The scale of the destruction is evident, with entire blocks of houses reduced to ashes. Tragically, some victims were found lying on the road, covered by sheets.
The inferno, fueled by a summer heatwave and drought linked to the El Nino weather phenomenon, has led experts to warn about the increased risk of natural disasters due to global warming. Pope Francis, hailing from neighboring Argentina, has called for prayers for the victims of the devastating fires in Chile.
Meanwhile, in Argentina, firefighters are battling a separate fire that has engulfed over 3,000 hectares in Los Alerces National Park since January 25. The rising temperatures threaten to engulf more of the continent, emphasizing the urgent need for action to combat climate change.
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