Deadly Chile fires trigger state of catastrophe in Ñuble and Biobío regions
BBC • • general
Key Points:
- Chilean President Gabriel Boric has declared a state of catastrophe in the Ñuble and Biobío regions due to deadly wildfires, with at least 16 confirmed deaths and 20,000 people evacuated.
- The most severe fire is near the coastal city of Concepción, destroying around 250 homes and burning through dry forests, exacerbated by long-term drought conditions.
- Firefighters are battling 24 fires nationwide, with the most critical fires in Ñuble and Biobío, where 20,000 hectares have been affected and strong winds are worsening the situation.
- Evacuations have primarily taken place in Penco and Lirquen, cities north of Concepción with a combined population of 60,000,
