Firefighters continue to do their best to respond to a large-scale forest fire that has broken out in central Chile.
Authorities on Sunday extended a curfew in the fire-hit cities. They reported that at least 112 people have died since the fire broke out two days ago.
The flames were burning most intensely around the city of Vina del Mar, where the famous botanical garden founded in 1931 was destroyed by the flames. At least 1,600 people were left homeless.
Flames and smoke engulfed several neighborhoods in the eastern edge of Vina del Mar state, trapping people in their homes. Officials say 200 people are missing in the city and surrounding areas. A popular beach resort, this city of 300,000 people hosts a famous summer music festival.
On Sunday morning, Chilean President Gabriel Boric visited the town of Quilpe, which was also badly affected by the fire. At that point, he reported 64 people killed and declared two days of national mourning.
Late Sunday, Chile's Forensic Service updated the confirmed death toll to 112. Borich warned that the number of casualties could rise further as rescue workers searched destroyed houses. Some of those who arrived at the hospital were in critical condition.
Valparaíso region governor Rodrigo Mundaka said he believed some of the fires may have been intentionally started, echoing a theory also mentioned by the president.
The fire started in hard-to-reach mountainous and forested areas, but despite authorities' efforts to extinguish it, it spread to densely populated areas.
Authorities called on people in areas affected by the fire to evacuate. Residents living far from the fire scene were told to stay at home to facilitate the transport of fire trucks and ambulances.
Curfews were also imposed in Viña del Mar, Quilpe and the city of Villa Alemana as part of efforts to prevent looting.
The fires occurred during a week of record high temperatures in central Chile. Over the past two months, El Niño has brought drought and high temperatures to western South America.
