Figures and factors surrounding the forest fire catastrophe

122 people dead, around 350 missing, the anguish that the destruction of homes will reach six thousand, 21 thousand hectares devastated by the fire, while support measures for victims are activated.

“The century”. Valparaiso. 5/4/2024. The unfortunate possibility that the number of fatalities will increase, that the number of destroyed houses will reach 6,000, that the hectares burned will exceed 26,000, that the million-dollar losses will increase and the impact on the economy, that there will be supply and services for thousands of Chileans, are some figures and factors present in what is defined as one of the largest catastrophes in Chile caused by a natural disaster such as the widespread forest fires that hit the Valparaíso Region these days.

• There are 122 people dead. There is no official data on injuries, which could be hundreds.
• Between 4 thousand and 6 thousand houses were burned.
• More than 26 thousand hectares were consumed by the fire.
• Around 350 missing or unlocatable people are reported.
• Curfew continues until five in the morning this Tuesday in Viña del Mar, Villa Alemana, Quilpué and Limache.
• The work of Conaf brigades and firefighters from the affected communes and other regions will continue without stopping.
• The Governor of Valparaíso, the Superintendent of the Valparaíso Fire Department, the College of Forestry Engineers and experts pointed to intentionality in causing the fires, through videos, photographs, testimonies and characteristics of the beginning of the incidents. Rear Admiral Daniel Muñoz said on Radio ADN that as far as is known at the moment, there would be “indications” of “a pattern of behavior that indicates that there is planning…something orchestrated and organized.”
• There are dozens of schools, public offices, companies and businesses destroyed or affected.
• There are requests to suspend the Viña del Mar International Festival or, at least, modify its content and production agenda. The gala has already been cancelled.
• President Gabriel Boric will be traveling to the disaster areas and is coordinating all actions with a group of ministers and regional and communal authorities.
• The Early Aid Committee was established and undersecretaries announced the first social support measures for victims of the forest fires as well as progress in reconstruction and care. The undersecretaries of Social Services, Culture, Regional and Administrative Development, Economy, Treasury, Public Works, Labor, Housing, Children, Women and Gender Equality work in this instance, in addition to the Budget Directorate (Dipres), National Prevention Service and Disaster Response (Senapred).
• A Shelter Bonus will be given to people who have lost their homes. Construction of emergency housing will begin.
• It is insisted that donations and collections be made in places authorized by Municipalities, social organizations and others, coordinated with State entities.