Overnight, south-central Chile was engulfed by devastating forest fires that spread faster than anyone expected. Flames tore through forests and into towns, catching families off guard and leaving 18 people dead.
President Gabriel Boric has declared a state of catastrophe, unleashing the military to help battle 24 active fires. According to Interior Minister Alvaro Elizalde, these blazes have already burned through 8,500 hectares, destroying homes and vehicles. In the Biobio region's Concepcion area alone, 253 homes have been lost.
Residents describe a terrifying scene: an orange sky, walls of fire closing in, and sirens blaring well into the night. Many found themselves trapped in their cars or fields, forced to evacuate at a moment's notice. 😢🔥
Firefighters and soldiers are on the front lines, using water-dropping helicopters and constructing firebreaks. Meanwhile, shelters are filling fast as neighbors open their doors to those displaced. Community groups on social media are buzzing with updates, safety tips, and messages of support.
This catastrophe is a stark reminder of how quickly nature can turn against us. As Chileans cope with loss and begin rebuilding, the world watches and stands in solidarity. 🇨🇱💚
Reference(s):
18 dead, 50,000 evacuated in Chile forest fires, catastrophe declared
cgtn.com
