In a devastating turn of events, Chile's Valparaíso region is grappling with the aftermath of its deadliest forest fire on record, leaving at least 112 people dead.
The inferno has prompted President Gabriel Boric to declare a state of emergency, vowing to deploy all necessary resources to combat the unfolding catastrophe.
The victims, many of whom were holidaymakers drawn to the coastal region during the summer break, found themselves in the path of an unrelenting blaze.
Health authorities have issued a health alert in Valparaíso, leading to the suspension of elective surgeries, the establishment of temporary field hospitals, and the recruitment of medicine students to alleviate the strain on the healthcare system.
Rescue efforts have faced significant challenges, with authorities struggling to reach the most affected areas. Interior Minister Carolina Tohá grimly warned that the death toll is expected to rise significantly in the coming hours. The government has urgently advised against travel to the fire-hit zones.
In a harrowing account, 61-year-old resident Rodrigo Pulgar described the situation in El Olivar as "hell." Pulgar recounted attempting to assist his neighbor but tragically discovered his own home engulfed in flames. With a majority of El Olivar's residents being elderly, Pulgar revealed the heartbreaking loss of his neighbor, unable to be rescued in time.
The housing ministry reports that between 3,000 and 6,000 houses have been impacted by the raging fires. To facilitate emergency response, a curfew has been imposed in Viña del Mar, Limache, Quilpué, and Villa Alemana. President Boric emphasized that the curfew aims to clear routes for emergency vehicles and aid in reaching the affected areas.
Sunday sees the deployment of 1,400 firefighters, with military personnel assisting emergency services in the battle against the flames. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the catastrophic fires. In a preventative measure, the government has prohibited the use of fire-related equipment and heat-producing machines in Valparaíso and the nearby Marga Marga region.
