In the Valparaiso area of Chile, a forest fire claims 46 lives and damages 1,100 homes

In the Valparaiso area of Chile, a forest fire claims 46 lives and damages 1,100 homes

In the Valparaiso area of Chile, wildfires have burned over 1,100 houses and claimed the lives of at least 46 people. President Gabriel Boric cautioned about the challenging firefighting circumstances brought on by high temperatures, strong winds, and low humidity while pleading for collaboration with rescue personnel.

A statement from President Gabriel Boric on Saturday night said that at least 46 people have died as a result of devastating wildfires in central Chile, especially in the vicinity of the heavily populated Valparaiso region.

The Associated Press says that more than 1,100 dwellings were reportedly damaged. Since there are four large fires in Valparaíso that make it difficult for firefighters to get to the most susceptible districts, President Boric voiced fear that the number of victims might increase.

Boric pleaded with Chileans to assist rescue personnel. "If you are asked to evacuate, do not hesitate to do so. The fire is growing rapidly and weather patterns have made it difficult to control. These include high temperatures, strong winds as well as low humidity," he said.

Interior Minister Carolina Toha said earlier on Saturday that 92 wildfires were raging in Chile's southern and central regions. The flames had increased in number owing to the exceptionally high temperatures seen over the week. Authorities in the Valparaiso region strongly advised thousands of citizens to leave their homes after the bloodiest tragedies there.

People were told to remain inside their houses in locations farther away from the blaze. In the midst of the current crisis, the order seeks to provide easy access to key services by facilitating the circulation of fire engines, ambulances, and other emergency vehicles on the highways.

According to Toha, two fires close to the villages of Villa Alemana and Quilpué have burnt at least 19,770 acres (8,000 hectares) since Friday, as reported by the AP. In the meanwhile, a fire posed a danger to the seaside tourist town of Viña del Mar, where damage had already been done to a few neighborhoods.

A hilltop neighborhood on the eastern edge of the city called Villa Independência was severely damaged. The AP said that a number of blocks' worth of homes and businesses were turned to rubble.

Rolando Fernandez, one of the residents who lost his house, stated, "I've been here for 32 years, and I never thought this would happen." He said that on Friday afternoon, he noticed the fire raging on a neighboring hill, and that in fifteen minutes, it had completely devastated the region. Everyone had to flee for their lives as smoke and flames enveloped the fire.

Fernandez reportedly said, "I've worked my entire life, and now I have nothing left," the AP reported.

In the Valparaiso region, three shelters were established in response to the crisis. An attempt was made to put out the large fire, as Interior Minister Carolina Toha revealed, and over 450 firemen and 19 aircraft were sent to the scene. Because the fire spread over the mountains, including hazardous regions near Viña del Mar, access and control operations became more difficult.

Toha said that elderly residents in the Valparaiso region had to be evacuated from four hospitals and three nursing homes, while the AP reported that authorities reported power shortages as a consequence of the fire. According to the interior ministry, the fire also damaged two bus terminals.

The widespread El Niño weather phenomena this year has caused dryness and high temperatures in South America's west, raising the possibility of flames. Due to the altered climate, there is a higher chance of wildfires, as shown by the destruction of almost 17,000 hectares (42,000 acres) of forest in Colombia in January.