Santiago, Chile, Jan 18 (Prensa Latina) The Chilean government has declared a state of catastrophe in the regions of Nuble and Biobio due to devastating forest fires that have destroyed numerous homes and forced the evacuation of thousands of people. President Gabriel Boric confirmed the measure and assured that all resources are available to contain the fires. According to Hector Munoz, mayor of Concepcion, the capital of Biobio, the sector El Pino is the most affected so far, and announced that two shelters have been opened to accommodate evacuees.

The mayor pointed out that he has no reports of injuries or deaths, although the results of an emergency committee meeting to be held this morning are expected.

Meanwhile, the mayor of Penco, Rodrigo Vera, stated that he discussed the serious situation with the Minister of the Interior, Alvaro Elizalde, and that they expect a visit from several authorities this Sunday.

Although there is no official tally of the losses so far, some preliminary figures refer that around 250 homes are affected in the city of Concepcion alone.

In the latest report, the agency reported that there are seven active fires in Biobio region, with the Trinitarias fire being the largest, affecting the municipalities of Penco, Concepcion, and Tome. Senapred extended the red alert for fires to the entire Biobio region.

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