Massive forest fires continue to ravage central Chile, with authorities reporting that at least 112 people have lost their lives in the catastrophic blazes. Firefighters are battling the intense flames that erupted two days ago, prompting officials to extend curfews in the hardest-hit cities.
The city of Viña del Mar has been particularly hard hit, with fires engulfing several neighborhoods on its eastern edge. The historic botanical garden, established in 1931, was one of the significant landmarks destroyed by the fires on Sunday. The disaster has left approximately 1,600 people without homes, as smoke and flames have trapped many residents in their houses.
In addition to the tragic loss of life, officials have reported that 200 individuals are currently missing in Viña del Mar and the surrounding areas. This city of 300,000 residents is renowned as a popular beach resort and hosts a major music festival each summer in the southern hemisphere, highlighting the widespread impact of the fires on both the local community and the broader region.
Reference(s):
Forest fires rage on in central Chile, killing at least 112 people
cgtn.com
