Türkiye conveys its condolences to Chile over victims of wildfires

By Dilara Hamit

Türkiye’s Foreign Ministry conveyed its condolences to Chile on Monday over the loss of life, injuries, destruction and damage from wildfires that broke out in its Valparaiso region.

"We extend our heartfelt condolences to the friendly people and government of Chile and in particular to the families who are grieving over the loss of their loved ones and wish a swift recovery to the injured," the ministry said in a statement.

At least 99 people have been killed and 1,600 have been left homeless by forest fires in central Chile’s Valparaiso region, authorities said Sunday.

Thirty-two people have been identified so far, said Chile’s Legal Medical Service, the state coroner.

“The forensic institution delivers its deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims,” it said in a statement.

There are 161 active fires across the country, according to Alvaro Hormazabal, director of the National Disaster Prevention and Response Service. A botanical garden founded in 1931 in the city of Vina del Mar has been almost completely destroyed by the flames.