In a tragic turn of events, one of the world's largest botanical gardens in Chile is facing near-total destruction due to a devastating wildfire. Located in the coastal city of Viña del Mar, the national botanical garden spans an impressive 1,000 acres and is renowned for its extensive collection of endemic species.
The deadly forest fire has claimed the lives of at least 123 people across the country, including a dedicated female greenhouse keeper, her mother, and two grandsons. On Friday afternoon, as the flames rapidly advanced, garden staff were forced to evacuate several hundred visitors to ensure their safety.
According to reports from The New York Times, an alarming 98 percent of the garden has been destroyed by the relentless fire. This botanical haven was not only a center for conservation and research but also home to over 1,000 tree species. Among its prized flora were rare cactuses, exotic plants from Europe and Asia, and some of the last known Sophora toromiro trees, which are now extinct in the wild.
The loss of this botanical sanctuary is a significant blow to global conservation efforts, as the garden played a crucial role in preserving biodiversity and supporting research initiatives. The international community mourns the loss of both human lives and irreplaceable plant species, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced wildfire prevention and climate action measures.
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Deadly wildfire engulfs one of the world's largest botanic gardens in Chile
cgtn.com
