Chile declares a state of catastrophe due to fires in the south of the country; at least 16 died and thousands were left homeless

The forest fires in southern Chile left 16 dead and thousands of people displaced. The president of Chile, Gabriel Boric, declared, in the early hours of this Sunday (18), a state of catastrophe in two regions in the south of the country.

“In light of the ongoing serious fires, decided to declare a state of catastrophe in the regions of Ñuble and Biobío. All resources are available”, informed the Chilean president in a publication on X.

The flames affected inhabited areas, especially in the municipalities of Penco and Lirquen, in the Biobío region, where around 60,000 people live.