Chilean Forest Fires Claim 99 Lives
Chile forest fires: Death toll rises to 99
The death toll from forest fires in central and southern Chile has climbed to 99, according to President Gabriel Boric. The announcement was made as national mourning was declared in the South American country in response to the tragedy.
In a statement, Chilean authorities confirmed that forest fires continue to spread in many parts of the coastal cities of Valparaiso and Vina del Mar. President Boric expressed concern that the number of fatalities could rise further, prompting the declaration of National Day of Mourning on Mondays and Tuesdays for those who lost their lives.
The president also revealed plans to deploy military units to the areas affected by the fires and assured that all necessary resources would be available. Meanwhile, the Minister of Internal Affairs, Carolina Toha, reported that firefighters have managed to take control of approximately 40 fires, while 29 continue to be actively fought against.
Reports from the Chilean press indicated that a fire had broken out in Penuelas Lake Natural Park, approximately 20 kilometers from Valparaiso. The National Disaster Prevention and Response Service stated that the fire had spread rapidly due to strong winds, prompting evacuation procedures in some towns.
President Boric also took to social media to announce the declaration of a state of emergency due to the forest fires, while Minister Toha raised the possibility that certain fires were started deliberately.
It is a significant tragedy for Chile, as just last February, 27 people lost their lives in forest fires. With the death toll now at 99, Chile continues to grapple with the ongoing destruction caused by the fires.
