The fires that began on Friday are suspected to be set intentionally|@Shad_boya|X
In one of the worst disasters of the year, forest fires in central Chile have killed at least 112 people and damaged around 14,000 homes. Approximately 370 people are still missing.
The fires that began on Friday are suspected to be intentionally set and have particularly impacted Vina del Mar and Valparaiso. As of Sunday, 40 blazes continue to rage across the country.
President Gabriel Boric has imposed a 9 p.m. curfew, deployed the military to assist firefighters, and initiated a two-day national mourning period.
The fires coincide with similar incidents in Colombia, exacerbated by scorching heat linked to the El Nino weather phenomenon and climate change.
Chile’s national oil company has shut down its second-largest refinery, and the destruction is expected to increase, adding to the country’s history of destructive fire seasons.