Published 2024-02-04 17.20
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Chileans run for their lives and drive straight through the Sea of Fire.
92 forest fires wipe out villages and have killed 50 people – but the figure is believed to be much higher.
– My neighbor died. We couldn’t get her out, Rodrigo, 61, told AFP.
The region of Valparaiso in Chile has been hit by massive forest fires that are now ravaging the area. Tens of thousands of hectares and thousands of houses have burned up. It is between 30 and 40 degrees hot at the same time that strong winds cause the fire to spread uncontrollably and quickly.
According to the authorities, the rescue service is struggling to contain a total of 92 forest fires.
“Tried to help my neighbor”
On Saturday evening, the Minister of the Interior stated that 51 people had been confirmed dead. But the death toll is feared to be much higher.
Rodrigo Pulgar, 61, lives in the hard-hit area of El Olivar. He says to AFP was at home watching the news about the fires when the fire suddenly approached his house at breakneck speed. He had previously sprayed water over the roof to minimize the damage if the fire were to come.
– I tried to help my neighbor, and then my house started to catch fire. Ash rained down on us, he says.
Rodrigo says that many elderly people live in the village and that some of them did not manage to evacuate.
– My neighbor died. We couldn’t get her out, he says.
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1 / 2Foto: Esteban Felix / AP
Chile is hit by extensive forest fires every year, but this year could be the worst season in many years.
According to the Minister of the Interior, Carolina Toha, there have been major problems with evacuations, reports Third. Several residents did not want to leave their homes but did so too late and there are reports of looting. At the same time, the fire has spread very quickly with flames up to the treetops. And not all residents have been helped to evacuate.
– We have lost lives due to difficulties in carrying out evacuations, she says.
Images and videos of people fleeing in buses and cars driving straight through the fire and passengers screaming in panic are being shared on social media.
“Save life”
President Gabriel Boric writes on Sunday morning that he has sent a priority list to his authorities.
“1: Save lives,” he writes on X.
After that, the focus is on putting out fires, finding and caring for bodies and providing shelter to those who have fled and become homeless.
President Gabriel Boric and government representatives will also travel and work in Valparaiso.
“I have ordered that the government must be in place and resolve the situation,” he writes on X.
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full screen Accommodation Photo: Esteban Felix / AP
