Chile’s Valparaíso region is grappling with an unprecedented tragedy as forest fires claim the lives of at least 112 people, making it the deadliest recorded incident of its kind in the country.
Many victims were holidaymakers enjoying the coastal region during the summer break.
Responding to the crisis, Gabriel Boric, the country’s leader, declared a state of emergency and pledged to mobilize all necessary resources to address the situation.
The health ministry issued a health alert in Valparaíso, resulting in the suspension of elective surgeries and the authorization of temporary field hospitals.
As part of the efforts, medicine students nearing the end of their studies will be enlisted to support the strained health service.
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Rescue services are encountering difficulties reaching the worst-hit areas, with Interior Minister Carolina Tohá warning that the death toll is expected to rise significantly in the coming hours.
The government is advising people against traveling to the affected regions.
Residents, like 61-year-old Rodrigo Pulgar from El Olivar, described the situation as “hell.”
Pulgar attempted to aid his neighbor but soon found his own house engulfed in flames.
Tragically, many elderly residents in El Olivar were unable to escape, leading to heartbreaking losses.
The housing ministry reported that between 3,000 and 6,000 houses have been impacted by the fires.
To aid emergency response, a curfew was imposed in Viña del Mar, Limache, Quilpué, and Villa Alemana, allowing crucial routes to be cleared for emergency vehicles.
To combat the raging fires, 1,400 firefighters have been deployed, accompanied by military personnel.
The cause of the fires is currently under investigation.
To prevent further complications, the government has prohibited the use of fire-related equipment and heat-producing machines in Valparaíso and the nearby Marga Marga region.
Situated 116 km from Santiago, the popular tourist destination of Valparaíso is now at the center of a devastating disaster.
The recent incident follows last year’s deadly wildfires in the regions of Biobío and Ñuble, indicating a concerning trend of increasing frequency and severity.
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