Wildfires cause huge loss of life in Chile amid heatwaves in South America. It is worth remembering that we are emerging from 2023, which was the hottest year ever recorded. It is likely that the warming effect of the current El Niño episode will intensify the heat even more during 2024
by Wagamaga
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The Chilean government declared a state of emergency and a period of national mourning. More than 100 people were reportedly killed and the death toll was expected to rise further as rescuers sought to reach worst hit areas in the Valparaíso region, including around the coastal town of Viña del Mar.
Chilean authorities issued a number of top-level red alerts of the fire risk due to elevated temperatures, dry soils and strong winds. Chile’s National Meteorological and Hydrological Service also issued heat red-alerts, in line with the Early Warnings for All campaign.