Chile worst disaster, forest fires kill 112. The Chile wildfire is the worst disaster after 2010 earthquake; forest fires have killed 112 people and still the death toll is increasing. According to sources still 40 fires are active.
Wildfires are uncontrolled fires that spread rapidly through vegetation, often fuelled by dry conditions, strong winds, and flammable materials. These fires can occur in various ecosystems, including forests, grasslands, and shrub lands.
Hundreds of people are still missing, authorities say, stoking fears the death toll will keep climbing as more bodies are found on hillsides and houses devastated by the wildfires.
The area surrounding Viña del Mar, where a well-known botanical garden established in 1931 was devastated by the flames on Sunday, was the site of the strongest fires. There were at least 1,600 homeless persons.
Chile worst disaster
While speaking at a press conference on Sunday, Undersecretary Manuel Monsalve said that medical examiner has received “112 people dead, 32 bodies identified,” adding that there were still “40 active fires” in the country.
News agency photographs and footage over the weekend laid bare the trail of destruction wrought in multiple communities by the infernos. Aerial shots from the El Olivar commune showed dozens of vehicles burned to shells alongside multiple houses reduced to ash. One video obtained showed the inside of a bus ferrying passengers through the city of Valparaíso as fires raged outside.
President Gabriel Boric declared a state of emergency as coastal cities like Viña del Mar and Valparaiso choked in smoke. Residents living in central regions were also forced to evacuate their homes. Speaking at a press conference held after visiting affected areas on Sunday, Boric raised fears that the death toll would “increase significantly.”
In a televised statement on Saturday, Boric said that the defence ministry would deploy more military units to affected areas, with all necessary resources made available.
He declared Monday and Tuesday as days of national mourning for fire victims.
Climate change and the El Nino weather phenomenon are driving forces behind an increasingly warm planet, scientists say, making events like heat waves and wildfires more likely.
According to UN report, the number of extreme wildfire events will increase up to 14% by 2030. By 2050, the increase will climb to 30%.
#Chile‘s deadliest forest fires kill 112 – Worst disaster since 2010 earthquake#ChileWildFires #ChileFires https://t.co/Q4eizH7cmz
— Zee News English (@ZeeNewsEnglish) February 5, 2024
All about Chile
Chile is a country located in the southern part of South America. It is known for its long and narrow shape, stretching along the western edge of the continent and bordered by the Andes Mountains to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Its Capital is Santiago. The e Official Language is Spanish. Chile has a diverse population of around 19 million people. The Currency of Chile is Chilean Peso (CLP).
Chile is a democratic republic with a presidential system. Chile has a relatively stable and prosperous economy, driven by industries such as copper mining, agriculture, and services. It is one of the wealthiest countries in South America.
The country is characterized by a variety of landscapes, including the Atacama Desert (one of the driest deserts in the world), the Andes Mountains, fertile central valleys, and the southern forests and fjords. Chile is prone to earthquakes due to its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire. It has experienced several significant earthquakes throughout its history.
Chile has a rich cultural heritage, influenced by indigenous Mapuche traditions as well as Spanish colonial and European immigration. Pablo Neruda, a Nobel Prize-winning poet, is one of Chile’s most famous literary figures. The country is a popular destination for tourists, attracting visitors with its diverse landscapes, including the Patagonian region, Easter Island, and the wine-producing valleys.
Chile has played a significant role in regional and global affairs, known for its economic stability, democratic governance, and commitment to environmental conservation.