TheLittleTwentieth – Renowned Papers Edition, AI Infused

Local sources from Chile: AS Chile, El Dínamo.
UK coverage: The Telegraph.

A devastating wildfire, fueled by the El Niño currents, has swept through the Valparaíso region in Chile, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The fire, described as a ‘tornado of fire,’ quickly engulfed houses and neighborhoods, resulting in the deaths of at least 131 people and leaving 370 still missing. The firestorm has destroyed over 15,000 homes, turning the once vibrant area into a scorched wasteland. This is the worst disaster to hit Chile in over a decade.

According to the latest update from AS Chile, the Legal Medical Service (SML) has reported that the number of dead remains at 131 people. However, genetic tests have identified 78 bodies, and 46 deceased individuals have been handed over to their families. Meanwhile, there are 35 officially reported missing persons, although the Viña del Mar Municipality claims that there are over 370 missing individuals.

In response to the devastating fires, President Gabriel Boric declared this catastrophe as ‘the biggest tragedy we have experienced as a country since the earthquake on February 27, 2010.’ The number of hectares lost as a result of the disaster has exceeded 43,000, with approximately 3,000 homes destroyed.

El Dínamo reports that the Ministry of National Assets has launched a web platform that provides real-time updates on all forest fires affecting the central region of Chile. The platform utilizes data from Senapred, CONAF, MOP, MINVU, as well as services shared by NASA and Google. It offers a detailed overview of the affected areas, including street views, satellite images, and topography. The color symbolism on the map indicates the estimated extent of fire damage, zones based on NASA images, and buildings according to Google. It also provides information on collection centers, shelters, signal towers, and water supply points.

As Chile and El Dínamo both provide valuable information on the devastating wildfire in Valparaíso, it is clear that this disaster has had a profound impact on the region. The loss of life, destruction of homes, and the ongoing search for missing individuals highlight the severity of the situation. The launch of the real-time monitoring platform by the Ministry of National Assets aims to provide crucial information and support to those affected by the tragedy. The international community stands in solidarity with Chile during this difficult time, as efforts continue to rebuild and recover from this devastating wildfire.