The number of victims killed in the forest fire disaster in central Chile has increased to 112 people, making this the most serious disaster in the country since the 2010 earthquake. Authorities say there are still hundreds Missing person.
The fire that broke out on February 2 has destroyed many residential areas, threatening the two coastal cities of Vina del Mar and Valparaiso. Images from drones show scenes of devastation, burned houses, and severely damaged vehicles.
President Gabriel Boric declared two days of national mourning, called on people to prepare mentally to face a serious disaster, and ordered the mobilization of troops and helicopters to support firefighting.
Meanwhile, many people shared on social networks images of fires burning near residential areas, thick smoke covering many areas, many people lost their homes and property.
Chilean authorities have established a curfew from 9:00 p.m. in the most affected areas. Currently, there are 165 fires raging across the country with an estimated 14,000 houses damaged.
Although forest fires usually occur in the summer in the Southern Hemisphere, the scale and level of destruction of this fire is unprecedented. This is the most serious disaster in Chile since the 8.8 magnitude earthquake in 2010 that claimed the lives of nearly 500 people.
Currently, firefighting work is still going on urgently. President Boric is pushing for financial support for the most affected areas, emphasizing the priority of saving lives.