Chilean President Gabriel Burrique declared a state of natural disaster in two regions in the south of the country, in an urgent response to the worsening crisis of Chilean fires that have gone out of control in several sectors, prompting the evacuation of nearly 20,000 people from their homes to save their lives.
Details of the field crisis
Emergency teams are racing against time, with forest rangers and firefighters working tirelessly to extinguish 19 active wildfires across the country. The most dangerous of these fires, numbering 12, are concentrated in the departments of Nuevo and Biobío, located approximately 500 kilometers south of the capital, Santiago. Footage broadcast on local television showed flames reaching populated areas, specifically in the towns of Benco and Lirqueín in Biobío department, areas with a combined population of around 60,000. Charred vehicles littered the streets, a testament to the rapid spread of the fires.
Environmental and climatic context of fires
These fires come amid a challenging climate in Chile, where the Southern Hemisphere is experiencing its summer season, typically accompanied by soaring temperatures. Central and southern Chile have been suffering from prolonged droughts for years, making forests and wooded areas highly flammable. Experts indicate that climate change has exacerbated these phenomena, as high temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds combine to create what is known as a "firestorm," which is difficult to control using traditional methods.
A history of natural disasters
This is not the first time the country has faced such disasters; in recent years, forest fires have intensified in Chile, particularly in the central and southern regions. These events evoke memories of previous fire seasons that caused significant economic losses in the agricultural and forestry sectors, as well as the destruction of infrastructure. Declaring a state of emergency is a necessary step that allows the government to mobilize additional resources, including deploying the military and facilitating the delivery of logistical aid to the affected areas.
Losses and repercussions of the evacuation
Although authorities have not yet released any final official figures on the number of victims or the total number of homes damaged, the scale of the evacuation, which has affected 20,000 people, points to a humanitarian disaster requiring urgent intervention to shelter the displaced and provide them with basic necessities. Rescue teams are facing significant challenges in reaching some areas due to the heavy smoke and damaged roads, making a full assessment of the damage a process that could take several more days.
