Chile is grappling with its deadliest forest fires in a decade, claiming the lives of at least 46 people in the central Valparaiso region. President Gabriel Boric announced on Saturday that the death toll is expected to rise as rescue teams continue their efforts amidst relentless flames.
The Valparaiso region, home to nearly one million residents, has been engulfed in black smoke, particularly affecting the coastal tourist hotspot of Vina del Mar. Firefighters are battling the blazes using helicopters and trucks, but the challenging terrain and intense heat have made containment difficult.
President Boric provided a somber update, stating that 40 individuals lost their lives directly to the fires, while six more succumbed to burns in hospitals. \"Given the conditions of the tragedy, the number of victims is sure to increase over the next few hours,\" Boric remarked. \"The situation is really very difficult.\"
The Chilean disaster agency, Senapred, confirmed that this outbreak of forest fires is the deadliest the nation has seen in the past ten years. As the region struggles to manage the crisis, the international community watches closely, offering support and solidarity.
Environmental experts are now scrutinizing the factors contributing to the severity of these fires, including climate change and land management practices. The devastating impact on both lives and the environment underscores the urgent need for sustainable solutions to prevent such tragedies in the future.
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Death toll from Chile's forest fires hits 46, likely to rise further
cgtn.com
