Death toll from ongoing forest fires in Chile rises to 132

Authorities in Chile have reported that the death toll from the forest fires affecting the central and southern parts of the country has risen to 132.

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Death toll from ongoing forest fires in Chile rises to 132

The Chilean Legal Medical Service (SML) stated in an announcement that the death toll from the fires continuing in the cities of Valparaiso and Vina del Mar has increased.

While the number of people who died in the fires has risen to 132, aerial and ground interventions continue to bring the fires "completely" under control.

The SML announced that the identification process for a total of 89 bodies has been completed and 64 bodies have been handed over to their families.

43 THOUSAND HECTARES OF LAND REDUCED TO ASHES

Meanwhile, Valparaiso Governor Rodrigo Mundaca stated at a press conference that 43 thousand hectares of land have been reduced to ashes and approximately 15 thousand homes have burned down as a result of the forest fires, adding, "We are quite certain that the fires were started intentionally."

'WE HAVE DIRECTED OUR TEAMS'

Chilean President Gabriel Boric stated in his announcement on February 3 that they had declared a state of emergency, saying, "We have directed all our teams to the central and southern parts of the country to respond to the fires."

In Chile, forest fires were effective in many regions simultaneously and spread to residential areas in a short time.

News Source: AA