Chile’s Wildfires Claim 112 Lives with Rising Concerns

In a heart-wrenching turn of events, central Chile’s raging wildfires have left at least 112 people dead, and the grim toll is expected to climb further, warned President Gabriel Boric on Sunday. Rescue teams are tirelessly searching through the ruins of neighborhoods obliterated by the fires. The coastal tourist haven of Valparaiso remains ablaze, presenting an ongoing challenge for responders amidst an intense summer heatwave. With temperatures reaching a scorching 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) over the weekend, the firefighting efforts are intensified. Among those affected is Rosana Avendano, a 63-year-old kitchen assistant from Vina del Mar, who was away from home when the flames engulfed her seaside city. The organization managing victims’ bodies reported receiving 99 individuals, with 32 identified, emphasizing the human impact of this tragedy. President Boric, surveying the devastated Quilpue community near Vina del Mar from a helicopter, acknowledged the gravity of the situation, expecting the death count to rise significantly. He declared a state of emergency, pledging government support to help the affected residents rebuild their lives. The national disaster service, SENAPRED, reported nearly 26,000 hectares (64,000 acres) burned across central and southern regions by Sunday. A formidable force of 31 firefighting helicopters and airplanes, along with 1,400 firefighters, 1,300 military personnel, and volunteers, battles the relentless flames. The wildfires are fueled by a summer heatwave and drought in the southern part of South America, attributed to the El Nino weather phenomenon. Scientists warn that a warming planet increases the risk of natural disasters, such as intense heatwaves and fires. The dire situation extends beyond Chile, as brigades in Argentina confront a fire consuming over 3,000 hectares in the renowned Los Alerces National Park since January 25. The beauty and biodiversity of the park are now threatened by the relentless advance of the flames, further highlighting the urgent need for global action in the face of climate-related disasters.