Chile forest fires: At least 99 dead in Valparaíso region
Local authorities in Chile’s Valparaíso region have reported that forest fires have claimed the lives of at least 99 people.
Gabriel Boric, the official overseeing the region, has declared a state of emergency and pledged to allocate “all necessary resources” to address the crisis.
This incident is believed to mark the deadliest forest fire in Chile’s history, with many of the victims being tourists visiting the coastal area during the summer holidays.
The health ministry in Valparaíso has issued a health alert, prompting the suspension of elective surgeries and the establishment of temporary field hospitals.
To alleviate the strain on healthcare services, the ministry has also announced plans to enlist medical students nearing the completion of their studies.
Rescue efforts have encountered difficulties in reaching the most heavily impacted areas. Interior Minister Carolina Tohá has warned that the death toll is expected to rise significantly in the hours ahead.
Authorities have advised against traveling to the affected regions, while a resident from El Olivar described the situation as “hell.” Rodrigo Pulgar, 61, recounted his efforts to assist his neighbor before realizing that his own home was engulfed in flames, speaking to the AFP news agency.
“Ash was raining down on us,” Mr Pulgar added.
He explained that most residents in El Olivar are older people, and said his neighbour died because they couldn’t get her out.
The housing ministry said between 3,000 and 6,000 houses were impacted by the fires.
On Saturday, a curfew was put in place for those in Viña del Mar, Limache, Quilpué and Villa Alemana.
Mr Boric said the curfew will help free up routes and allow emergency vehicles to reach affected areas.
Some 1,400 firefighters are being deployed on Sunday, the interior minister said in an address to the nation.
Military personnel have been deployed alongside emergency services, and the cause of the fires is being investigated.
To avoid the escalation of an already delicate situation, the government has banned the handling of fire and machines that produce heat in Valparaíso, and the nearby Marga Marga region.
Situated 116 km (72 miles) from the capital Santiago, the coastal town of Valparaíso sees many tourists during the summer.
Last year, the regions of Biobío and Ñuble – further south from Valparaíso – endured deadly wildfires, which appear to be becoming more frequent and lethal.
