VINA DEL MAR, Chile (AP) – The death toll from wildfires that have ravaged central Chile for several days rose to 131 on Tuesday, with more than 300 still missing as the blazes appeared to have burned out. It has become.
The Valparaiso wildfire is said to be the worst disaster in Chile since the 2010 earthquake. Authorities have suggested some of the fires may have been intentionally set.
122 people killed, hundreds more missing in wildfires in central Chile
President Gabriel Boric, during a visit to the region, announced that furniture to be used in the 2023 Pan American Games will be donated to the victims. He said the government would also waive water bills for 9,200 affected households.
The fire broke out Friday on the eastern edge of the mountain in Viña del Mar, a beach resort known for its festival of the best Latin music. Two other towns, Quilpe and Vila Alemana, were also heavily damaged as dry weather and strong winds caused the fire to spread rapidly.
A devastating wildfire has broken out east of Viña del Mar in central Chile.
The Viña del Mar Festival canceled its opening gala as a mark of remembrance. Many participating singers, including Alejandro Sanz, Pablo Alboran and Mana, sent messages of solidarity and announced donations.
Chile’s Forensic Medicine Department said many of the bodies recovered from the fires were in poor condition and difficult to identify, but forensic scientists would take samples of genetic material from people who reported their relatives missing.
Gabriel Leyva, 46, walked through the rubble in Viña del Mar: “My parents and sister’s house burned down, and my neighbors, the people who knew me when I was a child, died.” ” he said. It’s not blood, it’s heart. ”
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The United Nations issued a statement expressing its condolences and offering its support. Meanwhile, Borich tweeted thanking US President Joe Biden for his “significant support” following the disaster.
