SANTIAGO, Dec 27 (NNN-PRENSA LATINA) — Forest fires and projections of high temperatures in Chile are causing concern among government entities and environmental protection organizations.
During the last few days, the National Service for Prevention and Response to Disasters (SENAPRED) declared a red alert for fires in the regions of Valparaíso, Maule and O’Higgins
The National Forestry Corporation (CONAF) reported more than 70 fires in the first weeks of the warm season. According to the entity, the fires occurred while central and southern areas of Chile were experiencing a heat wave that could extend until next weekend.
During the last few hours, SENAPRED and CONAF declared a red alert in Tiltil and Colina, in the Metropolitan Region, due to the rapid advance of the flames toward several homes.
The Faculty of Agronomy and Forestry Engineering of the Catholic University, academic Cristian Bonacic, considers forest fires as an instant recipe for generating poverty and marginalization in rural areas. According to him, the regions devastated two years ago have had many problems in getting ahead, which goes beyond an ecological problem and enters into the economic and social spheres that the country must face differently.
In urban areas, including the country’s capital, institutions are campaigning these days to help those who are helpless to overcome the strong heat.
Although until recently it was still considered that the risk of death for those who live outdoors was extreme cold, climate change is showing that heat strokes also kill, especially those who suffer from chronic diseases, experts warned. — NNN-PRENSA LATINA
