At least 64 people have lost their lives in Chile as raging forest fires continue to wreak havoc across the country. Authorities fear that the death toll is likely to rise as the fires persist. A state of emergency has been declared, forcing coastal cities to endure thick smoke, while residents in central regions are being forced to evacuate their homes.

During a press conference on Sunday after visiting the affected areas, President Gabriel Boric expressed his concerns, stating that the death toll "will increase significantly." In remembrance of the fire victims, Boric declared Monday and Tuesday as days of national mourning.

To ensure that efforts are focused on combating the blazes, a curfew has been imposed in the towns of Viña del Mar, Quilpué, Villa Alemana, and Limache, according to the governor of the Valparaiso region, Rodrigo Mundaca. The mayor of Quilpué, Valeria Melipillán, described the fire as "probably the largest ever" in the region, causing damage to nearly 1,400 houses in the municipality. Despite efficient evacuation efforts, some residents in affected areas have chosen to remain in their homes.

Pope Francis took to social media platform 'X,' urging people to pray for the deceased and injured victims of the devastating fires that have engulfed central Chile.

President Boric announced that the defense ministry would deploy additional military units to the affected areas, providing all necessary resources. Interior Minister Carolina Tohá reported that there are currently 92 active fires burning across the country, impacting approximately 43,000 hectares of land. Firefighters have managed to control 40 fires but are still battling 29 others.

Chile's Finance Minister, Mario Marcel, estimated that damages in the Valparaiso region alone could reach the "hundreds of millions of dollars." This financial burden comes at a time when the country is already enduring a summer heatwave, with temperatures in the capital city of Santiago surpassing 33 degrees Celsius (91.4°F).

Authorities have already apprehended one individual in connection to the wildfires. The suspect, who was performing welding work at his home in the city of Talca, accidentally triggered a fire that rapidly spread to nearby grasslands. The individual will face charges as the investigation progresses.

Emergency crews are prioritizing the fires in Valparaíso, a port city on Chile's coast, due to their close proximity to urban areas. The mayor of Valparaíso reported that around 372 residents are missing, adding to the urgency of the situation. One fire alone has consumed approximately 6,800 hectares of land, posing a significant threat to people, homes, and infrastructure.

Tragically, at least six of the fire victims perished in hospitals while receiving treatment for severe burns, according to authorities.

As Chile grapples with this crisis, international support and solidarity are pouring in to aid the affected regions. Efforts to combat the fires continue, with hopes of reducing further loss of life and minimizing the destruction caused by these devastating forest fires.