Chile faces a catastrophic wildfire crisis, with the confirmed death toll reaching 112. Viña del Mar, a botanical haven since 1931, witnessed unprecedented destruction, leaving 1,600 homeless. The fires erupted amidst a regional heatwave, prompting a state of emergency as smoke blanketed coastal cities, compelling mass evacuations.
President Gabriel Boric declared national mourning, foreseeing a significant death toll increase. A curfew in key areas aids firefighting efforts. Pope Francis calls for prayers, emphasizing solidarity. Chile mobilizes military support, recalling the 2023 incident where fires ravaged 400,000 hectares and claimed 22 lives. The nation grapples with the deadliest fire event in its history.
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1.Tragedy in Viña del Mar:
Strongest fires hit Viña del Mar, devastating a botanical garden and leaving 1,600 homeless.
2. Heat Wave Sparks Fires:
Fires ignited during a regional heatwave affecting Latin American countries.
3. State of Emergency:
A state of emergency declared as smoke engulfs coastal cities, forcing residents to flee.
4. Viña del Mar’s Plight:
Smoke traps residents, 200 reported missing, and neighborhoods engulfed.
5. National Mourning:
President Gabriel Boric designates Monday and Tuesday as national mourning days, expecting a significant rise in the death toll.
6.Enforced Curfew:
Curfew imposed in Vina del Mar, Quilpue, Villa Alemana, and Limache to focus on firefighting.
7. Quilpe’s Challenge:
Mayor Valeria Melipillan notes the fire’s unprecedented scale, causing damage to 1,400 homes.
8. Pope’s Call for Prayer:
Pope Francis urges prayers for the victims, expressing solidarity.
9. Military Support:
President Boric announces additional military personnel and supplies for impacted areas.
10. Previous Incidents:
Referencing the 2023 fires that swept through 400,000 hectares, claiming 22 lives.