As of last Friday, catastrophic forest fires have erupted in central Chile, with firefighters engaged in a relentless battle against the flames. The infernos have tragically claimed the lives of 112 individuals, and cities most severely impacted have extended curfews to manage the crisis.
A week of record-breaking temperatures in central Chile acted as a catalyst for the outbreak of these devastating fires. Drought conditions and soaring temperatures across western South America, exacerbated by the El Niño weather pattern, have significantly heightened the risk of forest fires over the past two months.
Residents residing on the eastern outskirts of the affected cities find themselves stranded in their homes, grappling with stifling heat and thick smoke. Reports indicate that approximately 200 individuals in Viña del Mar and neighboring areas have been reported missing. Viña del Mar, a coastal city known for its tourism, is home to 300,000 residents.
The forensic medical agency in Chile has revised the confirmed death toll to 112 individuals, underscoring the severity of the situation. Drone footage captured in the Vina del Mar region showcases entire neighborhoods engulfed in flames, with residents combing through the debris of collapsed structures, including corrugated iron roofs, amidst the devastation.
Governor Rodrigo Mundaca of the Valparaíso district reiterated his concerns on Sunday, suggesting that some of the fires may have been deliberately set—an assertion echoed by President Gabriel Boric earlier in the day.
The fires, which originated in remote hilly and wooded areas surrounding Viña del Mar, have proven challenging to contain despite efforts by the Chilean government. Strong winds, low humidity levels, and record-high temperatures have fueled the flames, pushing them into densely populated urban neighborhoods.
President Boric acknowledged on Saturday that the wildfires, spanning 8,000 hectares of forest and urban terrain, remain uncontrolled due to adverse weather conditions. Urgent evacuations of affected residences are underway, with officials urging those in safer areas to remain indoors to facilitate emergency response efforts.
In response to the crisis, curfews have been imposed in the cities of Quilpué, Villa Alemana, and Viña del Mar to prevent looting and maintain public safety amid the ongoing emergency.
