More than 100 people have died due to the devastating forest fires that spread in different regions of Chile. Chilean officials have warned that the death toll could rise.
At least 112 people have been killed so far, Chile’s National Disaster Prevention and Response Service said. Officials also said that 32 bodies have been identified, 38 have been autopsied, and 10 bodies are ready to be handed over to the next of kin.
News agency photos and footage over the weekend showed scenes of devastation in several communities caused by the fire. Aerial shots of L’Olivier commune showed dozens of vehicles burned to ashes.
Chile’s National Disaster Prevention and Response Service said there are currently 161 fires active across the country.
Firefighters have contained 102 of those fires but are still battling others, Chile’s national disaster director said. Nineteen forest fires are currently under surveillance, Hormazbal added.
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President Gabriel Bork has declared a state of emergency. Residents living in central areas were also forced to evacuate their homes. Speaking at a press conference after visiting the affected areas on Sunday, Burke expressed fears that the death toll would rise significantly.
In a televised statement on Saturday, Burke said the Defense Ministry would deploy more military units to the affected areas with all necessary resources.
He declared Monday and Tuesday as days of national mourning for the victims of the fire.
