Due to the fire, more than 20,000 people have been evacuated to safe places. (Photo source- Reuters)
Digital Desk, New Delhi. The terrible forest fire that broke out in the southern areas of Chile shook the entire country on Sunday. At least 18 people have died, while the fire is spreading out of control.
President Gabriel Boric has declared a state of disaster in the Nublar and Biobio areas. Due to strong winds and extreme heat, it has become extremely difficult for firefighters to control the fire. Thousands of people are forced to flee their homes and the death toll is expected to increase.
This fire spread so fast that there is an atmosphere of panic in the entire area. People are watching their homes, fields and forests burning, while relief operations are going on in full force.
The fire has so far destroyed about 8,500 hectares of land.
President Gabriel Boric, posting on
According to CONAF (Chile's forest agency), there were 24 active fires across the country as of Sunday morning. The most dangerous fires are in Nublar and Biobio. They are about 500 kilometers south of Santiago. About 8,500 hectares (21,000 acres) of land has been burnt so far due to the fire in these two areas.
More than 20,000 people homeless
Due to the fire, more than 20,000 people have been evacuated to safe places. In some reports this number is said to be up to 50,000. Senapred (disaster management agency) said that at least 250 houses have been completely burnt.
At many places people are trying to save their pets and belongings. After a meeting with mayors, President Boric confirmed the death toll in the evening and said the number could rise further as many people remain unaccounted for.
Strong winds increased difficulties
The weather has made the fire more dangerous. There are warnings of temperatures reaching 38 degrees Celsius (100 Fahrenheit) from Santiago to Biobio on Sunday and Monday. Strong winds helped the fire spread quickly. Extreme heat alert continues in large parts of the country. The smoke due to fire is so dense that it is not visible from far and wide. Firefighters are working day and night.
After Argentina, severe heat and fire wreak havoc in Chile
Since the beginning of this year, there has been a continuous heatwave in Chile and neighboring Argentina. Just a few days ago, a massive fire broke out in Argentina's Patagonia region. Now this crisis has deepened in Chile.
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