VIÑA DE MAR (CHILE), 02/12/2024.- Aerial photograph that shows today, a sector of El Olivar, affected by the forest fires in Viña del Mar (Chile). EFE/ Adriana Thomasa
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With drone flights, satellite data and field interviews, the Research Center for Integrated Disaster Risk Management (Cigiden) toured the areas affected by the fires in Chile. The report is devastating, the burned area is equivalent to a total of 9,215.9 hectares (12,980.14 professional football stadiums).
The extent of the damage extended through urban, agricultural and forestry sectors in five communes of the Valparaíso Region, Viña del Mar, Quilpué, Villa Alemana and Limache.
The analysis established that the emergency also affected 330 hectares of native vegetation within the cities and their periphery, up to 500 meters from the urban limit, mainly in humid ravines and hillsides.
The fires, which according to the first investigations were caused, started in four pockets inside the Natural Part of Lake Peñuelas and even reached the shanty towns and industrial areas of the city of Viña del Mar driven by the wind and extreme temperatures.
The tragedy is considered the most serious to occur in Chile since the deadly earthquake of 2010.
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**Interview with Esteban Valenzuela, Chilean Minister of Agriculture**
*Editor:* Thank you for joining us today, Minister Valenzuela. The recent wildfires in Chile have been devastating, can you start by summarizing the situation?
*Esteban Valenzuela:* Thank you for having me. These wildfires, particularly in the region of Valparaíso, have tragically claimed 131 lives and destroyed vast areas of land, including our beloved botanical garden in Viña del Mar. The destruction is heart-wrenching, and we are deeply committed to restoring the affected areas.
*Editor:* What immediate actions is the government taking to address the aftermath of these fires?
*Esteban Valenzuela:* We’re focused on recovery and restoration. The Chilean government has allocated 500 million pesos, which is approximately 500,000 dollars, specifically for the restoration of the Botanical Garden in Viña del Mar. This garden is not only a vital ecological space but also a cultural emblem for our community.
*Editor:* How do you plan to ensure such catastrophic events are mitigated in the future?
*Esteban Valenzuela:* Our approach is multifaceted. We are enhancing forest management practices, increasing funding for fire prevention measures, and investing in community education programs. It is crucial we learn from these experiences and strengthen our resilience to climate impacts.
*Editor:* The loss of life is particularly tragic. What support systems are in place for the families affected?
*Esteban Valenzuela:* We have initiated a support framework that includes financial assistance for the victims’ families, psychological counseling, and resources to help them rebuild their lives. The emotional toll of these fires is immense, and we want to ensure that no one is left alone in this recovery process.
*Editor:* Thank you, Minister Valenzuela, for updating us on these critical developments. We appreciate your efforts in leading the recovery.
*Esteban Valenzuela:* Thank you for the opportunity to share our plans. It’s a collective effort, and we must come together to heal and rebuild our community.
