Politics

Chilean President Gabriel Boric announced a state of emergency in two southern regions on Sunday as fierce wildfires led to the evacuation of over 20,000 residents and resulted in at least 18 deaths. As of Sunday morning, Chile’s CONAF forestry agency reported that firefighters were tackling 24 active wildfires, with the most severe ones located in Ñuble and Bío Bío, where the state of emergency was declared. These regions lie approximately 500 kilometers south of Santiago, the capital. “Given the severe wildfires we are facing, I have decided to declare a state of catastrophe in Ñuble and Biobío. All available resources will be utilized,” Boric stated in a post on X. After a meeting with mayors in the southern city of Concepcion, Boric confirmed that at least 18 individuals had lost their lives due to the fires. The wildfires have already destroyed nearly 8,500 hectares (21,000 acres) in these regions, threatening several communities and prompting evacuation orders. Chile’s Senapred disaster agency reported that nearly 20,000 people have been evacuated, and at least 250 homes have been lost. Officials noted that strong winds and high temperatures have worsened the situation, making it harder for firefighters to manage the blazes. Much of Chile is under extreme heat warnings, with temperatures predicted to soar to 38°C (100°F) from Santiago to Bío Bío on Sunday and Monday. Both Chile and Argentina have been facing severe heat and heat waves since the beginning of the year, leading to destructive wildfires in Argentina’s Patagonia earlier this month.