Chile Declares State of Catastrophe Amid Wildfires That Kill at Least 18

Chile Declares State of Catastrophe Amid Wildfires

President Gabriel Boric has declared a state of catastrophe in two southern regions of Chile due to raging wildfires. As of Sunday morning, firefighters were battling 24 active fires across the country, with the largest located in the Ñuble and Biobío regions.

According to CONAF, Chile’s forestry agency, at least 18 people have lost their lives in the wildfires, which have consumed nearly 8,500 hectares (21,000 acres) of land. The government has issued evacuation orders for multiple communities in the affected areas.

The declaration comes as temperatures are expected to reach up to 38C (100F) in the region on Sunday and Monday, with strong winds contributing to the spread of the wildfires. Officials say adverse conditions have made it challenging for firefighters to bring the fires under control.

The Ñuble and Biobío regions, located approximately 500km south of the capital Santiago, are among the most affected areas. Wildfires in the region have been a recurring issue in recent years, with growing evidence suggesting climate change is having a significant impact on the country’s weather patterns.

In February 2024, wildfires broke out simultaneously near Vina del Mar, resulting in 138 deaths. The current situation has prompted Boric to declare a state of catastrophe, with all available resources being utilized to combat the fires.

Source: Al Jazeera