Death toll in Chile bushfires set to soar
SANTIAGO: At least 99 people have been killed by forest fires in Chile and more casualties are expected, according to the government, which has called a state of emergency.
The central region of Valparaiso has been the worst affected, especially the coastal tourist city of Vina del Mar.
Firefighters in helicopters have struggled to reach many areas which have been blanketed by thick black smoke.
Some of the victims were discovered lying on public roads, having been overcome by fumes. Several have died from severe burns. There are reports of older residents being unable to escape from hillside communities before the fires ripped through the region.
President Gabriel Boric was in Valparaiso to assess the damage. He said the disaster was “a very difficult moment” for the entire country.
Officials said at least 1100 homes had been destroyed. Residents have described the destruction as like the aftermath of a bomb.
“If you are told to evacuate, don’t hesitate to do it,” the President said in a televised address. “The fires are advancing fast and climatic conditions have made them difficult to control. There are high temperatures, strong winds and low humidity.”
Mr Boric also warned that the death toll would rise.
He ordered temporary field hospitals be established in the crisis zone. A curfew is in place in the worst-affected towns.
According to the national disaster service, nearly 26,000 hectares have burned in the central and southern regions, as firefighters battle 34 blazes, with 43 others under control. It said weather conditions would continue to be “complicated”.