Chile Declares State of Emergency Amid Deadly Wildfires, 16 Dead, Thousands Evacuated

• Chilean President Gabriel Boric declared a state of catastrophe in Ñuble and Biobío regions due to fast-moving wildfires.
• The fires have claimed at least 16 lives and forced the evacuation of nearly 20,000 residents.
• 15 deaths were confirmed in Biobío and one in Ñuble; 250 homes have been destroyed.
• Strong winds and soaring temperatures, reaching up to 38 degrees Celsius, are fueling the blazes and hindering firefighting efforts.
• Neighboring Argentina is also experiencing intense heat waves and wildfires in its Patagonia region.

Why It Matters: Deadly wildfires in Chile have led to a state of emergency, mass evacuations, and significant destruction.