Chile wildfires death toll rises to 131

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News websites
7 Feb 2024 15:48

The death toll from the wildfires that devastated central Chile for several days has now reached 131, with over 300 people still missing.

Firefighters protectively spray water on homes as forest fires burn nearby, in Vina del Mar, Chile, Saturday, February 3, 2024. (AP)

The death toll from wildfires that devastated central Chile for several days has climbed to 131, with over 300 individuals still unaccounted for.

These fires in the Valparaíso region mark Chile's deadliest disaster since the 2010 earthquake. Authorities were suspicious that some of the fires might have been deliberately set.

just so you know Chile right now it’s BURNING this fire right here turned today the 2nd biggest wildfire in the 21th century AND I DONT SEE ANYONE OUTSIDE HERE TALKING ABOUT IT!!! pic.twitter.com/SKE6XhfsDD
— fran ! (@chileandwt) February 5, 2024

During a visit to the region, President Gabriel Boric declared that furniture utilized for the 2023 Pan American Games would be contributed to the victims. Additionally, he announced that the government would pardon the water bills for 9,200 affected households.

🤔Photos and video of the consequences of fires in Chile, which are increasingly burning out populated areas, have emerged pic.twitter.com/JZBrZTSqsM
— Truthseeker (@Xx17965797N) February 4, 2024

The fires ignited on Friday on the mountainous eastern outskirts of Vina del Mar, a coastal resort known for its Latin music festival. As the fires rapidly spread in dry conditions and strong winds, two other cities, Quilpué and Villa Alemana, also suffered significant damage.

Wildfires in Chile, 100 people dead.

Chilean officials have already stated they believe the fires have been intentionally caused.pic.twitter.com/UWaX9JQSxc
— DD Denslow 🇬🇧 (@wolsned) February 4, 2024

In a gesture of mourning, the Viña del Mar festival called off its opening gala. Numerous participating artists, among them Alejandro Sanz, Pablo Alborán, and Maná expressed solidarity by sending messages and pledging donations.

The Forensic Medical Service has stated that many bodies retrieved from the fires were hard to identify. However, forensic workers are collecting samples of genetic material from individuals reporting missing relatives to aid in the identification process.