51 Dead In Chile Forest Fires
Tragedy unfolded in Chile’s Valparaíso region as forest fires claimed the lives of at least 51 people, making it the deadliest on record in the country. President Gabriel Boric responded by declaring a state of emergency, ensuring all necessary resources are dedicated to addressing the crisis.
The victims, many of whom were visiting the coastal region during summer holidays, faced a dire situation. The health ministry in Valparaíso issued a health alert, leading to the suspension of elective surgeries and the establishment of temporary field hospitals. To alleviate pressure on the health service, medicine students nearing the end of their studies will be enlisted.
Rescue services encountered challenges reaching the most affected areas, with Interior Minister Carolina Tohá indicating that the death toll could escalate significantly in the coming hours. The Chilean government urgently advised against travel to impacted areas.
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In the town of El Olivar, part of the Viña del Mar region, a resident described the situation as “hell.” Rodrigo Pulgar, a 61-year-old, recounted attempting to aid his neighbor but found his own house engulfed in flames. The elderly population in El Olivar faced difficulties evacuating, resulting in tragic consequences.
The housing ministry reported that between 3,000 and 6,000 houses were impacted by the fires, leaving many residents without homes. A curfew was imposed in several areas to facilitate emergency vehicle access, with President Boric emphasizing its role in freeing up routes.
Efforts to combat the fires involved the deployment of 1,400 firefighters and collaboration with military personnel. The government also implemented a ban on activities that could contribute to the escalation of the crisis, such as handling fire and heat-producing machines.
Situated 116 km from the capital Santiago, Valparaíso attracts numerous tourists during the summer. The regional committee for disaster risk management (Cogrid) reported that 45 of the casualties were found dead at the scene, while six succumbed to burn wounds in healthcare centers.
The situation echoes previous deadly wildfires in Biobío and Ñuble regions, hinting at a concerning trend of increasing frequency and lethality. Investigations into the cause of the fires are underway as the nation grapples with the aftermath of this devastating event.
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