Forest fires are raging through the Valparaíso region of Chile, leaving a path of death and destruction in their wake. In response, Prince Albert has sent a letter of sympathy and condolence to the leaders and the people on behalf of the Principality.
The wildfires in the Valparaíso region of Chile have reportedly claimed 131 so far, with hundreds still missing and thousands of homes burned to the ground.
President Gabriel Boric has called it “the worst catastrophe to hit the country since the earthquake of 27 February 2010”.
Thankfully, the fires, which officials are speculating were intentionally lit, are starting finally to burn themselves out, but not before five days of destruction that began of 2nd February.
PRINCE’S SYMPATHY
Prince Albert expressed his concern for the Chileans in a written communique to the country’s President.
“Deeply shocked by the persistence of the forest fires in the centre and south of your country and their deadly consequences on your people and nature, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the victims,” he said.
“My family and the people of Monaco join me in addressing our thoughts and prayers to the people affected by this tragedy. I wish to convey my deepest sympathy to the emergency services who are struggling to contain the fires, and those who put their own lives in danger to help communities in need. Be assured, Mr. President, of our sense of profound solidarity in these difficult times.”
DEVASTATION AMID WORSENING CONDITIONS
The fires blazed in an area inland of the nation’s capital city, Valparaíso, with heavy smoke pouring into the coastal retreat of Viña del Mar and the town of Quilpué.
The flames were helped by strong winds which saw tinder-dry terrain going up in a matter of minutes on hillsides, and are reported to have started in four different locations.
“These fires began in four points that lit up simultaneously,” Rodrigo Mundaca, governor of the affected region, said. “Authorities we will have to work rigorously to find who is responsible.”
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Photo: Incendios Forestales