Chile Wildfires Claim Over 100 Lives, State of Emergency Declared

President Gabriel Boric announces national mourning as firefighters battle to contain blazes exacerbated by El Niño.

At least 112 people have died and hundreds are missing due to intense wildfires in central Chile, particularly affecting the Valparaiso region.
President Gabriel Boric declared a state of emergency and announced two days of national mourning, emphasizing the national tragedy's magnitude.
Over 43,000 hectares have been burned, with more than 1,100 homes destroyed, as firefighters and military personnel battle the blazes.
Authorities are investigating the possibility of arson, as some fires were reported to have started simultaneously in multiple locations.
The El Niño weather phenomenon has exacerbated the situation, contributing to the severe drought and high temperatures fueling the fires.