SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — The death toll in central Chile has risen to 123 after devastating wildfires tore through neighborhoods in the region, leaving hundreds of people missing. Volunteers are working tirelessly to clear the debris, including charred metal and broken glass, in an effort to rebuild the communities affected by the fires.
The fires, which began on the eastern edge of the city of Viña del Mar and spread to other towns in the Valparaíso region, have destroyed at least 3,000 homes. As of Monday, hundreds of people remain unaccounted for, adding to the urgency of the cleanup efforts.
Authorities suspect that some of the wildfires may have been intentionally set, exacerbating the situation caused by dry weather, strong winds, and low humidity. President Gabriel Boric pointed out these factors as contributors to the rapid spread of the fires.
One resident, Priscila Rivero, recounted the heartbreaking speed at which the flames engulfed her home. She managed to take her children to safety, but returned to find her house consumed by fire, along with cherished possessions and family mementos.
U.S. President Joe Biden has expressed condolences and offered assistance to Chile, while local authorities are setting up community centers to provide aid to those who have lost their homes.
In the midst of the devastation, residents are determined to salvage what they can and rebuild their lives. Many have returned to the affected areas to search through the rubble, expressing a reluctance to leave their properties unguarded or risk losing what little remains.
The long-term impact of the fires is yet to be fully comprehended, but residents like Marco Delgadillo are already bracing for the challenges ahead. As an affected homeowner, he faces the daunting task of rebuilding his life and, with the support of the community and local authorities, hopes to restore a sense of normalcy before the onset of winter in the southern hemisphere.