Chile forest fires: At least 51 dead, say officials

At least 51 people have lost their lives during the deadliest forest fire on record, as reported by local authorities. 

The fires, in Chile’s Valparaíso region, led to President Gabriel Boric declaring a state of emergency. 

He said he would make “all necessary resources” available to tackle the crisis.

Many affected people were vacationing in the coastal region during the summer holidays.

A health alert has been put in place in Valparaíso. The ministry called for suspending elective surgeries and authorised temporary field hospitals to be set up.

To address the mounting pressures on the health service, the ministry also disclosed plans to enlist medicine students nearing the end of their studies.

Rescue teams have struggled to reach the worst-hit areas and Interior Minister Carolina Tohá has warned the death toll is likely to rise in the coming hours. 

The Chilean government has advised people to refrain from travelling to the fire-affected regions.