There has been a tragic loss of life from forest fires in Chile’s Valparaíso region, with at least 51 people reported dead by local authorities.
President Gabriel Boric has declared a state of emergency and pledged to provide all necessary resources to address the situation. The fires are believed to be the deadliest in Chile’s history, affecting many individuals who were visiting the coastal region during the summer holidays.
The health ministry has put in place a health alert in Valparaíso and has suspended elective surgeries while also authorizing temporary field hospitals to be set up. In addition, medicine students nearing the end of their studies will be hired to help alleviate pressures on the health service.
Rescue services have faced difficulties in reaching the most affected areas, leading the interior minister to warn that the death toll is expected to rise in the coming hours.
As a precautionary measure, the Chilean government has advised people not to travel to the areas impacted by the fires. A 61-year-old resident from El Olivar, an area in the Viña del Mar (Valparaíso region), described the situation as “hell,” recounting his efforts to save his neighbor while his own house started to burn.
According to the housing ministry, between 3,000 and 6,000 houses have been impacted by the fires. To facilitate emergency response efforts, a curfew has been imposed in several areas.
The government has deployed 1,400 firefighters along with military personnel to tackle the fires, while also launching an investigation into their cause. Additionally, the handling of fire and heat-producing machines has been banned in Valparaíso and the nearby Marga Marga region to prevent further escalation.
The timing of the fires is particularly challenging as Valparaíso typically sees an influx of tourists during the summer. The regional committee for disaster risk management reported 45 of the fatalities were discovered at the scene, with six others succumbing to burn wounds in healthcare facilities.
Last year, deadly wildfires affected regions further south from Valparaíso, hinting at a concerning trend of increasing wildfire frequency and severity in Chile.
The situation remains grave, with urgent action and support needed to address the devastating loss of life and property caused by the fires.
