Chile declares state of catastrophe after wildfires kill at least 15

Chile has declared a state of catastrophe in Biobío and Ñuble after wildfires killed at least 15 people and forced about 50,000 to evacuate.

Wildfires are burning across central and southern Chile, causing deaths and widespread evacuations. President Gabriel Boric declared a state of catastrophe for the Biobío and Ñuble regions to coordinate the response. Authorities report roughly 8,500 hectares have burned and about 50,000 people have been evacuated. Hot weather and strong winds have hampered firefighting efforts. Known details: - At least 15 people have died, with most fatalities reported in the town of Penco. - The government declared a state of catastrophe for Biobío and Ñuble, enabling greater coordination with the military. - Officials say around 8,500 hectares have burned and about 50,000 people were ordered to evacuate. - Firefighters have struggled to contain the blazes amid temperatures above 38C and strong winds. Summary: The declaration is intended to centralize emergency response and allow military coordination while fires continue. Immediate impacts include ongoing firefighting operations and large-scale evacuations, and further actions and timing for broader federal support are undetermined at this time.