Central Chile witnessed a devastating toll as forest fires claimed the lives of at least 51 people on Saturday.
Emergency crews are battling 92 fires in the central and southern regions, with Interior Minister Carolina Tohá warning of a potentially higher death toll.
The ValparaÃso region faced the deadliest fires, prompting widespread evacuations, including hospitals and nursing homes. Rescue efforts in areas like Viña del Mar were challenged by the difficulty in reaching mountainous terrain.
President Gabriel Boric urged swift evacuation, acknowledging the challenging conditions with high temperatures, strong winds, and low humidity.
The disaster, compared to the 2010 earthquake, resulted in 1,100 homes destroyed, two bus terminals razed, and power blackouts.
Despite a smaller affected area than the previous year, the rapid multiplication of hectares under threat raises significant concerns.
