Chile Declared State of Catastrophe as Scorching Wildfires Kills 19, Forced Mass Evacuation

Following wildfires that claimed the lives of at least 19 people, Chile has declared a state of catastrophe and has been forced to conduct a large scale evacuation due to the high temperatures.

Over 50,000 people have been displaced by wildfires that have been burning for two days in the Nuble and Biobio areas, around 500 kilometers south of Santiago, fueled by high winds and scorching temperatures, according to news reports.

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According to Chilean Security Minister Luis Cordero, the emergency status enables improved collaboration with the army to contain 24 wildfires that have so far scorched 8,500 hectares and forced 50,000 people to evacuate. About 500 kilometers south of the capital city of Santiago, Chilean President Gabriel Boric proclaimed a state of catastrophe in the nation’s central Biobio area and the nearby Nuble region, reported by PTI.

The aftermath is captured on video, showing a desolate, empty cityscape of scorched dwellings, burnt-out pickup trucks and cars, according to the reports.

As evidence of the impact of climate change in the South American nation continues to increase, including extreme weather, droughts and floods, wildfires have wreaked havoc on south-central Chile in recent years. According to the public prosecutor’s office, multiple fires broke out at once near the city of Vina del Mar, northwest of Santiago, killing 138 people in February 2024.