Chile is facing one of its worst wildfire emergencies this week. On Tuesday, President Gabriel Boric declared a state of catastrophe for the Bio-Bio and Nuble regions, unlocking all available resources to fight the flames 🔥.
So far, at least 18 lives have been lost and officials warn the toll may climb. Chile’s National Forest Management Corporation reports 24 active fires uncontained as of 9:30 a.m. local time, with nine blazes in Nuble and three in Bio-Bio. The largest inferno near Ranquil (Nuble) has already scorched about 2,200 hectares.
In the Bio-Bio region’s coastal city of Penco, Alicia Sefrian, director of the National Disaster Prevention and Response Service, says over 30,000 residents have been evacuated. Families are being sheltered in community centers, and first responders are assessing property damage and well-being.
Experts warn that prolonged dry spells and heatwaves are fueling these mega-fires, a reminder of how climate shifts can hit home—even thousands of miles away. For Chileans and observers in South and Southeast Asia alike, it’s a stark call for stronger disaster preparedness and global solidarity 🌍💪.
Stay tuned as crews work around the clock to contain the blazes and support affected communities. Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by this disaster.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
