Chile Forest Fires / Forest fire wreaks havoc in Chile - 131 dead, 370 missing, 3000 houses burnt to ashes

Chile Forest Fires: The number of people killed due to the massive fire that broke out in Chile's forests spread to densely populated areas has increased to 131 and the rescue operation is still going on. A massive fire that broke out in the forest in the central region of Chile on Friday has caused widespread devastation in the city of Viña del Mar. The Valparaiso area, Quilpe and Villa Alema have also been badly affected by the fire. Officials said that the fire started decreasing from Monday morning. The country's President Gabriel Boric said on Sunday that at least 3,000 houses had been burnt to ashes. Marisol Prado, director of Chile's Forensic Medical Service, said the death toll had risen to 131.

370 People Missing

Viña del Mar Mayor Macarena Ripamonti said at least 370 people have been reported missing in the city of about 300,000. The fire has caused the worst destruction around the city of Viña del Mar and a famous botanical garden established there in 1931 was destroyed in the flames on Sunday. At least 1,600 people have become homeless due to the fire.

Appeal to cooperate with rescue workers

The city of Viña del Mar, with a population of about three million, is a popular beach resort and hosts a famous music festival during the southern hemisphere summer. President Boric appealed to Chileans to cooperate with rescue workers.

Request to go to safe places

Chile's Interior Minister Carolina Toha said on Saturday that 92 forests are in the grip of fire in the center and south of the country, where temperatures have been unusually high this week. Authorities urged people to leave their homes and go to safe places due to the worst fire in the Valparaiso area.