The MTA Speaks| Prayer times| Weather Update| Gold Price
Follow Us: Facebook Instagram YouTube twitter

Chilean Wildfires Result in 18 Fatalities, Thousands Displaced

Chilean Wildfires Result in 18 Fatalities, Thousands Displaced

Post by : Bianca Haleem

Santiago, Chile:

In response to the severe wildfires wreaking havoc in the southern provinces of Ñuble and Bío Bío, Chilean President Gabriel Boric has proclaimed a state of catastrophe. The fires have tragically claimed at least 18 lives and prompted the evacuation of approximately 20,000 individuals.

As reported by CONAF, Chile's forestry agency, firefighters are currently managing 24 active fires nationwide. The most significant of these blazes are concentrated in Ñuble and Bío Bío, situated around 500 km from the capital, Santiago.

“Given the severity of the ongoing situation, I have made the decision to declare a state of catastrophe in these regions. All necessary resources are being mobilized,” stated Boric on X.

Authorities have indicated that nearly 8,500 hectares (approximately 21,000 acres) have been consumed by flames, leading to the destruction of at least 250 homes. Evacuations are enforced across various communities.

Challenging weather conditions, including fierce winds and soaring temperatures, have hindered firefighting efforts. Many areas, extending from Santiago to Bío Bío, are anticipated to reach temperatures of 38°C (100°F).

These devastating wildfires are a sequel to the intense heat waves that have struck both Chile and Argentina, where earlier fires have already devastated portions of Patagonia.

Jan. 19, 2026 11:40 a.m. 282
Global News World News

More Trending News

Featured Stories

Strengthening Business Resilience: Dubai Chamber's Q2 Meeting
May 1, 2026 1:41 p.m.
Dubai Chamber convenes 64 groups to fortify business resilience and competitiveness amid evolving global dynamics.
Read More
Dubai Celebrates Erth Awards Recipients for Cultural Preservation
May 1, 2026 1:32 p.m.
Dubai honors Erth Awards recipients for their role in preserving cultural heritage, with over 25,000 entries representing community stories.
Read More
New Footage Unveils Attempted Attack at White House Dinner
May 1, 2026 1:31 p.m.
Footage released captures the moment a gunman tried to attack the White House Correspondents' Dinner, aiming at officials.
Read More
Pakistan Acts to Mitigate Middle East Tensions
May 1, 2026 1:28 p.m.
Pakistan enhances diplomatic efforts with Iran and the US to foster dialogue and stabilize the Middle East.
Read More
Health-Care Expansion Contracts Canceled, Sparking Community Outrage
May 1, 2026 1:26 p.m.
Communities express concern as the provincial government halts health-care facility construction contracts, jeopardizing hospital projects.
Read More
Dubai Press Club Explores Media's Influence On Geopolitical Dynamics
May 1, 2026 1:25 p.m.
A pivotal session by Dubai Press Club examined media's vital role amid geopolitical challenges involving misinformation and narrative control.
Read More
Court Directs Alberta Separatist Group to Eliminate Voter Database
May 1, 2026 1:19 p.m.
An Alberta court has directed a separatist group to delete a database with personal details of nearly three million voters amidst privacy concerns.
Read More
Ronaldo Reflects on Retirement While Chasing League Success
May 1, 2026 1:19 p.m.
Cristiano Ronaldo discusses nearing the end of his career as he aims for league titles with Al-Nassr, inspiring future generations.
Read More
Investigation Underway After Two Young Children Found Deceased in Calgary Vehicle
May 1, 2026 1:11 p.m.
Calgary authorities are investigating the tragic deaths of two young children discovered in a vehicle in northwest Calgary, with one man in custody.
Read More
Sponsored
Trending News