VALPARAISO, Chile – At least 99 people have tragically lost their lives as devastating wildfires continue to ravage Chile, with authorities warning that the death toll is likely to rise. The government’s Legal Medical Service (SML) reported the alarming number of fatalities, sparking a state of emergency in coastal cities like Viña del Mar and Valparaiso, where thick smoke has engulfed the air and forced residents to flee their homes in central regions.
Officials have confirmed the presence of 161 active fires across the country, with 102 of them now under control. However, firefighters are currently battling 40 blazes, while 19 others are under observation. President Gabriel Boric, after visiting the affected areas and witnessing the devastation, declared Monday and Tuesday as national days of mourning for the fire victims, acknowledging the inevitable increase in the death toll.
Rodrigo Mundaca, the governor of the Valparaiso region, reported that a nighttime curfew is being enforced in several towns to facilitate the firefighting efforts, while the mayor of Quilpué, Valeria Melipillán, revealed the extent of the damage, describing the fire as “probably the largest ever” in the region, with nearly 1,400 houses damaged.
Pope Francis has called for prayers for the victims, and the defense ministry has deployed additional military resources to the affected areas, attempting to mitigate the destruction. Chile’s Finance Minister Mario Marcel estimated initial damages in the Valaparaíso region to reach “hundreds of millions of dollars,” highlighting the scale of the disaster.
The devastating wildfires have been exacerbated by a summer heatwave, with temperatures in Santiago surpassing 33 degrees Celsius (91.4°F). This extreme weather, driven by climate change and the El Nino weather phenomenon, has made heatwaves and wildfires increasingly likely, according to scientists.
Amid the tragic loss of life and widespread destruction, authorities have detained one individual in connection with the wildfires. The suspect, involved in welding work at his home in central Chile, accidentally started a fire that spread to nearby grasslands. With emergency crews prioritizing the fires in Valparaíso due to their proximity to urban areas, the search for missing residents continues, underscoring the urgent need for support and resources in battling the wildfires.
As Chile grapples with this unprecedented crisis, the resilience and solidarity of communities affected by the fires is evident, underscoring the urgent need for international support and solidarity in confronting the escalating climate crisis.