Massive fire breaks out in Chile's forests, 19 people dead so far

Chile has declared a nationwide state of emergency because it is unable to control the rapidly spreading forest fire.

According to the reports, 19 people have died so far due to this forest fire. Due to this fire, the forest spread over several thousand acres has been destroyed and there are thick clouds of smoke in the sky. Due to this massive forest fire, people living in the central areas of Viña del Mar and Valparaiso have been forced to evacuate their homes.

"All forces are deployed in the fight against forest fires," Chilean President Gabriel Boric posted on Twitter announcing the crackdown. Rescue operations are underway. However, Chile's Interior Minister has said that the death toll could increase further. "The report of the death is very provisional," Interior Minister Carolina Toha said.

"We have reports from other places where there are indications that more people have been killed, but we don't have confirmation on the ground," Toha said. According to the reports, Toha reported 92 active fires across the country, affecting more than 43,000 hectares.

A heat wave and drought caused by the El Nino weather phenomenon are causing wildfires to surge in parts of South America, as experts warn that global warming is increasing the likelihood of higher heat and natural disasters such as fires.

The fire has destroyed about 30 homes in the communities of Estrella and Navidad, southwest of the capital, and forced the evacuation of residents near the surfing destination of Pichilemu. As Chile and Colombia face rising temperatures, Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil are also at risk of heat waves in the coming days.