Dozens Killed as Wildfires Surround Chile's Tourist City (Video)

Tragedy has struck central Chile as raging wildfires claim the lives of at least 51 people, prompting President Gabriel Boric to issue a televised warning that the death toll may rise. The Valparaiso region, known for its popularity among tourists and home to nearly one million people, is grappling with four large fires, leaving emergency services struggling to contain the inferno.

As thick smoke engulfs Valparaiso, a city on the tourist-frequented coast, thousands have been urged to evacuate their homes. The devastating impact is evident, with over 1,100 homes already destroyed. Rescue teams are facing challenges reaching affected areas, particularly in the coastal city of Vina del Mar.

President Boric emphasized the urgency of evacuation, acknowledging the rapid advance of the fires exacerbated by adverse climatic conditions—high temperatures, strong winds, and low humidity. The gravity of the situation echoes the severity of Chile's worst disaster since the 2010 earthquake.

Interior minister Carolina Toha reported 92 active forest fires in central and southern Chile, with Valparaiso facing the most critical situation. The response involves three shelters, 19 helicopters, and over 450 firefighters mobilized to combat the widespread blaze.

Valparaiso has suffered significant losses, with two bus terminals destroyed, and four hospitals and three nursing homes evacuated. The fires, spreading across 19,770 acres near Quilpue and Villa Alemana, have left a hillside neighborhood in Villa Independencia devastated.

Residents, like Rolando Fernindez, recount the swift devastation, witnessing their homes engulfed within minutes. The aftermath reveals burned cars, broken windows, and streets covered in ash. The interior minister notes a rapid escalation, with the affected area expanding from 110,000 to 110,000 acres between Friday and Saturday.

Comparisons with last year's wildfires highlight the severity, as the number of hectares affected multiplies rapidly. Despite a smaller initial area impacted, the ongoing crisis underscores the urgent need for coordinated efforts to mitigate the unfolding tragedy.