Central Chile is reeling after devastating forest fires engulfed the Valparaiso region, killing at least 123 people and destroying thousands of homes. The Chilean government confirmed Monday that over 11,000 hectares have burned, with 3,000–6,000 homes damaged. 🌍🔥
A CGTN stringer spoke to residents in Viña del Mar, one of the hardest-hit areas. \"Everything we owned was destroyed in a matter of minutes,\" said Ana Araya, a local resident. Many described fleeing with only the clothes on their backs as flames spread unpredictably due to shifting winds.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the overlapping fires, which officials say may have been exacerbated by dry conditions and high temperatures. Emergency crews continue to battle hotspots, while displaced families seek shelter in temporary centers. 💔
