In brief
Chilean President Gabriel Boric has declared a 'state of catastrophe' in the Ñuble and Biobío regions as wildfires wreak havoc, leaving 16 dead and prompting the evacuation of over 20,000 residents. The fires, fueled by dry conditions and strong winds, have devastated large areas, with significant destruction reported in the city of Concepción.
Chilean President Gabriel Boric has declared a state of catastrophe in two regions where deadly wildfires are raging. At least 16 people are confirmed dead in the Ñuble and Biobío regions, about 500km (300 miles) south of the capital Santiago. At least 20,000 have been evacuated.The most dangerous fire has swept through dry forests bordering the coastal city of Concepción, destroying about 250 homes, according to disaster officials. Local media report images of charred cars in the streets. Chile has experienced a series of devastating fires in recent years, worsened by long-term drought.Chile's forestry agency, Conaf, stated that firefighters are battling a total of 24 fires across the country, with Ñuble and Biobío being the most threatening. "In light of the serious ongoing wildfires, I have decided to declare a state of catastrophe" in the two regions, Boric announced in a post on X. He emphasized that all resources are available.The fires have affected 20,000 hectares (50,000 acres) in the two regions so far. Most evacuations occurred in the cities of Penco and Lirquen, which have a combined population of 60,000. Strong winds have fanned the flames amid extreme summer temperatures, endangering communities and hampering firefighting efforts.Much of Chile is currently under heat alerts, with temperatures forecasted to reach 38C between Santiago and Biobío in the coming days. This situation follows previous forest fires that killed at least 120 people two years ago in the Valparaíso region near Santiago.
