The South American country of Chile began a formal period of mourning for the 112 people who have died in the deadliest wildfires in its recent history, amidst ongoing efforts to combat the blazes intensified by hot weather and strong winds.
Starting in central Chile last week, the fires spread throughout the weekend, causing devastation in the coastal cities of Vina del Mar and Valparaiso. Hundreds of people are still missing and approximately 14,000 homes are damaged.
Drone footage captured by Reuters in the Vina del Mar area displayed entire neighborhoods burnt to a crisp, with residents sifting through the remains of their charred homes. Scattered burnt-out cars littered the streets.
Vina del Mar resident Jesica Barrios, who lost her home, recounted the terrifying experience, stating, “There was smoke, the sky turned black, everything was dark. The wind felt like a hurricane. It was like being in hell.”
As of Sunday night, Deputy Interior Minister Manuel Monsalve reported that there were still 165 active fires, and the military has been mobilized to assist firefighters in controlling the spread. Furthermore, a curfew has been imposed in the most heavily impacted areas.
Monsalve expressed hope that a reduction in temperature and cloud cover would aid in extinguishing the fires in the coming days. She also stated, “We’re going to keep having high temperatures, but not extreme ones.”
Chile’s investigative police force (PDI) is investigating areas where fires may have been intentionally started. Local media sources reported that two suspects have been detained on suspicion of arson.
Experts warn that the severe heat wave affecting Chile, Argentina, and other areas in the southern cone of South America is likely to become more common during the southern hemisphere summer months due to climate change. This extreme weather has been exacerbated by the El Nino weather phenomenon, which warms the Pacific Ocean.
Maria Soledad Suarez, who lost all of her stored food in the fire, lamented, “It was all lost. It was all burnt. The fridges are all gone.”
Chile remains in a state of mourning as it continues to grapple with the aftermath of this catastrophic event.
