Washington/Santiago/Beijing: The United States has offered to provide assistance to Chile where ongoing wildfires have resulted in the loss of lives and caused devastation. Already at least 122 lives have been claimed by wildfires and officials say the toll will likely go up as more than 300 people were so far missing as per a rough estimate.
The fires erupted in Viña del Mar, an oceanfront city with a population of 330,000 in the Valparaíso region on the Pacific coast, known for its beach and casino, where they also destroyed a botanical garden founded in 1931. Fires soon spread to the neighbouring cities of Quilpué, Limache, and Villa Alemana. Many fleeing in cars were also trapped.
A state of emergency has been declared by President Gabriel Boric and the military has been deployed to control wildfires. According to the Chilean National Disaster Prevention and Response Service (SENAPRED), about 161 active fires are raging in the South American nation right now.
Also read: Our planet on fire – Part 10
“The United States stands with Chile at this difficult time,” US President Joe Biden said, adding that his administration was in contact with the Chilean government and was ready to provide necessary assistance to the Chilean people.
Crikey. Can you imagine facing this. More and more of us will experience this kind of nightmare soon. Praying for the people of Chile 🙏 pic.twitter.com/zxIf8a57gv
— Matthew Todd 🌏🔥 (@MrMatthewTodd) February 6, 2024
Describing the situation in Chile as a “terrible tragedy”, Biden said his thoughts and prayers were with the people impacted by it and the first responders working to fight the fires and support displaced families and individuals.
Meanwhile.. in #Chile 🇨🇱
92 absurd abnormal fires 🔥 pic.twitter.com/QVWVAWRH8J— Brunella C. (@BrunellaCapitan) February 6, 2024
China too described the fatalities and serious financial loss caused by the devastating wildfires in Chile as “heart-wrenching”.
“We mourn for the lost lives and extend condolences to the bereaved families and the injured. China believes that under the strong leadership of the Chilean government, the people in Chile will get through this difficult time and rebuild their homes soon,” a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said in Beijing.
– global bihari bureau
