Chile wildfires: Death toll now 112; 40 fires remain. Key highlights

The death toll from the devastating wildfires in Chile has climbed to 112, according to an announcement by an Interior Ministry official reported by AFP. Interior Minister Carolina Toha stated that the weekend fires have unequivocally become the deadliest fire incident in Chile’s history. By Sunday, approximately 26,000 hectares (64,000 acres) had been consumed by the fires in central and southern regions, as reported by SENAPRED, the national disaster service, cited by AFP.

During a press briefing on Sunday, Undersecretary Manuel Monsalve disclosed that the medical examiner had confirmed “112 deceased individuals, with 32 bodies positively identified,” further noting the presence of “40 ongoing fires” across the nation.

Here are 10 points you need to know rephrase it:

1. The vicinity near Viña del Mar, where a renowned botanical garden established in 1931 was engulfed by flames on Sunday, witnessed the most intense fires. Approximately 1,600 individuals were left without shelter as a result.
2. Chile experienced the onset of fires amidst a heatwave impacting various other Latin American nations.
3. A declaration of a state of emergency ensued as coastal cities in Chile became shrouded in smoke, compelling inhabitants in key areas to evacuate their residences.
4. According to AP, smoke and fire enveloped numerous districts on the eastern outskirts of Viña del Mar, leaving some residents stranded in their homes. Officials stated that around 200 individuals have been reported missing in Viña del Mar and its environs.
5. CNN reported that President Gabriel Boric declared Monday and Tuesday as national days of mourning to honor the victims of the fire. During a conference, he also warned that the death toll is expected to rise significantly.
6. On Sunday, Governor Rodrigo Mundaca of the Valparaiso region announced that curfews were being imposed in the towns of Viña del Mar, Quilpué, Villa Alemana, and Limache. This measure aimed to allow officials to focus on extinguishing the fires.
7. Mayor Valeria Melipillan of Quilpe informed CNN Chile that the fire in the area was likely the most extensive ever recorded, with approximately 1,400 residences suffering damage. Despite successful evacuation efforts, Melipillan mentioned that some residents in affected zones hesitated to abandon their homes.
8. Pope Francis called upon individuals to pray for those who perished in the wildfires. In a message on X, he appealed, “Let us pray for the souls of the deceased and for the recovery of those injured in the catastrophic fires that have impacted central Chile.”
9. President Boric of Chile announced in a televised address on Saturday that the defense ministry would deploy extra military personnel to the affected regions and ensure the provision of necessary supplies.
10. During February 2023, wildfires ravaged Chile, consuming over 400,000 hectares of land and claiming the lives of more than 22 individuals.