Fires: 131 dead, one thousand houses destroyed, 4 thousand affected, one billion US$ in losses

These are dramatic figures for the forest fires recorded in recent days in the Valparaíso Region and which, unfortunately, could increase in the coming week. Faced with the situation, the Government activated a series of effective measures aimed especially at the families affected by the accidents.

“The century”. Santiago, Valparaiso. 9/2/2024. Ending this week, according to reports from the National Disaster Prevention and Response Service (SENAPRED), the forest fires in the Valparaíso Region leave a balance of 131 dead, 4,555 victims and 1,500 houses destroyed. Unfortunately, those numbers may increase next week.

All of this has an immense social impact and means an arduous task for the coming months, which includes care and support for affected families, reconstruction of homes, support for SMEs and businesses in general, reconstruction of schools and cultural centers, support in services.

At the same time, according to analysis by academic institutions and economists, the losses due to the accidents would range between 800 million dollars and one billion dollars. In housing destruction alone the cost would be more than 270 million dollars. For the Treasury, the costs would amount to 500 million dollars.

In several national and foreign press media it was noted that these forest fires are among the most damaging worldwide in the last fifteen years and among the worst in terms of loss of human life and materials for Chile.

There were reports during the week of more than 26 thousand hectares burned. According to data from the National Forestry Corporation (CONAF), between 2023 and the beginning of 2024, more than 55 thousand hectares have been burned in the country.

From the Valparaíso Fire Department, the Government of the Valparaíso Region, the Navy and press reports, it was almost certain that several of the forest fires were caused by people.

The Minister of the Interior, Carolina Tohá, stated in this regard that “for us the fundamental thing is to convey to the citizens that from the first moment there has been concern and indications that there may have been intentionality, but that being said, an investigation is expected to officially arrive. to conclusions.”

The measures activated by the Government

The Government has concentrated work in the face of the forest fire disaster and activated a series of measures, especially aimed at supporting affected families and facing short, medium and long-term solutions.

President Gabriel Boric reported the activation of the National Recovery Fund (FNR). This Fund was created after the 2010 earthquake, and allows aid to be channeled from the private world and from abroad to reconstruction projects in affected areas.s. Through the FNR you can donate to rebuild schools, hospitals and other infrastructure. In addition, it allows the donation of spices and they can now be made on the site donaciones.hacienda.gob.cl.

From Quilpué, the president confirmed that this Friday The payment of the Recovery Bonus will begin for those affected by the incident in the Valparaíso Region. “There will be several payment moments, but tomorrow we will start. It will be done through the State Bank and it will be deposited directly into the accounts,” he indicated and explained that “the majority of the damages are total, therefore, the majority will receive the bonus of one million 550 thousand pesos.” 910 families will receive this contribution. It will be delivered to those who were registered in the Basic Emergency File (FIBE). President Boric said that next Tuesday the payment will be made to the rest of the families, which are quantified in 12 thousand affected homes.

The Chief Executive indicated that there will be support for SMEs, and asked the banks to freeze the payment of dividends.

He reported this Thursday the arrival of a fleet of 10 Codelco hopper trucks, along with front loaders and backhoes to help with cleaning and debris collection work.

The president also reported that there will be a reinforcement of the police and military presence in the area to help maintain order and security. Carolina Tohá, Minister of the Interior, announced that “the deployment made in the last few hours is quite exceptional. This stage consists of the arrival of 100 fourth-year officer candidates who will be in order and security tasks. In addition, there are 100 second-year police students who will support debris removal and relief work.”

A few days ago, the Ministry of Finance reported tax relief measures, such as the postponement of installments for those who have loans with BancoEstado and the authorization of the Electronic Pocket to buy goods. Also, one of the modifications to the Budget Law was immediately activated that allows resources to be managed to face the emergency.

It was informed:

• Direct allocation is allowed for ministries such as Interior, Agriculture, and institutions such as INDAP, SAG, Sercotec.
• The Ministry of Public Works is empowered to intervene in private infrastructure and simplified admissibility is also established for the reconstruction of infrastructure.
• Senapred is allowed to make all its purchases with subsequent regularization, which exempts it from carrying out any prior steps – such as requesting authorizations – to acquire materials and equipment that are linked to emergencies.
• In the case of regional governments, a budget line was enabled to respond to emergencies.
• Activation of the National Reconstruction Fund to receive donations from the private sector.

In addition, Minister Mario Marcel announced tax and financial aid for those affected, such as the authorization of the Electronic Family Pocket to buy household goods and elements for the reconstruction of homes. These are:

• Donations sent from abroad will be exempt from taxes.
• Exemption from customs taxes to expedite the processes of importing products and materials to support affected families. This will allow you to receive donations from aid organizations and international donations (example: Red Cross), which must be done through the National Customs Service.
• All surcharges linked to tax payment deferrals will be automatically waived
• A mechanism was established to report inventory losses and adjust the valuations of affected properties for the payment of land tax.
• Deadlines for VAT declarations, payment of pension contributions and payment of land tax are extended.
• Immediate activation of insurance and commercial support mechanisms through BancoEstado and postponement of six installments for those who have loans contracted with the institution, be they companies or individuals.
• Enabling the Electronic Family Pocket for the repurchase of belongings and reconstruction of homes.
• Enabling a contracted insurance consultation system on the website of the Financial Market Commission (CMF). The site is www.conocetuseguro.cl.