Wildfires in Central Chile: Emergency Relief Fund Launched
Photo: courtesy of Garcia Fernando
Wildfires began in at least four spots on February 2, 2024, and have been burning across parts of central Chile, particularly in the regions of Valparaíso, O’Higgins, and Maule resulting in casualties and damage. The authority referred to the wildfires as the worst catastrophe to hit the country since the earthquake of 2010.
According to the Chilean National Disaster Prevention and Response Service (SENAPRED), at least 112 people have lost lives following the wildfires. The worst-hit areas include Complejo las Tablas- Reserva Lago Peñuelas. In addition, the media has reported approximately 200 missing people in and around Viña del Mar City (Valparaíso). (source: ECHO, 5 Feb 2024).
Many scientifically important plants and seeds were lost in the botanical garden (Photo: Corporación Nikkei Región de Valparaíso)
Peace Boat Disaster Relief (PBV) started gathering damage information from the Corporación Nikkei Región de Valparaíso (Valparaiso Nikkei Association) and launched an emergency relief fund to support the local efforts to help those affected. While the details of the damage have been yet to confirmed, it is confirmed that parts of the internationally reknowned botanical garden in Viña del Mar has been burned with loss of four lives.
More updates on the damage and the PBV’s relief plans will be shared on this page in the future. Please support us help those in need through donations.