In a devastating turn of events, Chile’s Valparaíso region is grappling with the aftermath of its deadliest forest fire on record, leaving at least 112 people dead.
The inferno has prompted President Gabriel Boric to declare a state of emergency, vowing to deploy all necessary resources to combat the unfolding catastrophe.
The victims, many of whom were holidaymakers drawn to the coastal region during the summer break, found themselves in the path of an unrelenting blaze.
Health authorities have issued a health alert in Valparaíso, leading to the suspension of elective surgeries, the establishment of temporary field hospitals, and the recruitment of medicine students to alleviate the strain on the healthcare system.
Rescue efforts have faced significant challenges, with authorities struggling to reach the most affected areas.
The housing ministry reports that between 3,000 and 6,000 houses have been impacted by the raging fires. To facilitate emergency response, a curfew has been imposed in Viña del Mar, Limache, Quilpué, and Villa Alemana.
Sunday sees the deployment of 1,400 firefighters, with military personnel assisting emergency services in the battle against the flames. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the catastrophic fires.a
