Large-scale forest fires have broken out in Chile: almost 50 people have died, but there may be more victims. Photos, videos

Chile, a country in western South America, is currently fighting back against the merciless elements. Forest fires that broke out recently in densely populated regions of the country have already claimed the lives of several dozen people.

According to Chilean President Gabriel Boric, firefighters have managed to extinguish the flames in the central part of the country. However, the tragedy claimed the lives of at least 46 people, destroyed more than 1,000 houses and burned down 2 bus stations. According to Euronews, in a televised address, the Chilean leader warned that there could be more victims.

He urged residents to cooperate with rescue services: evacuate if necessary, do not hesitate, give way to crews and firefighters, and follow the recommendations of the authorities.

"Given the conditions of the tragedy, the death toll is likely to rise over the next few hours. The situation is really very difficult," said the Chilean president.

Most of the fires have been recorded in the central region of Valparaiso, where more than a million people live. The areas around the popular tourist city of Viña del Mar have also been severely affected. Rescue teams continue to work in the areas affected by the fires.

According to Interior Minister Carolina Tocha, 92 fires broke out in the center and south of the country, where temperatures were abnormally high during the week. More than 43,000 hectares of land have been destroyed by the fire.

Officials reported a power outage, so some hospitals and nursing homes in the Valparaiso region had to be evacuated.

According to The Sun, an eyewitness said that the fire turned his village, where mostly elderly people lived, into "hell." His neighbor died because she was unable to evacuate.