• Raging wildfires claim more than 120 lives, leave hundreds missing in central Chile

    ByTW

    Intense wildfires in central Chile have resulted in at least 112 fatalities, hundreds missing and the destruction of thousands of homes as of early Monday, February 5, 2024. A state of emergency has been declared in response to the crisis, with fires continuing to spread through densely populated areas. Chilean President Gabriel Boric and Interior Minister Carolina Tohá highlighted the severity of the situation, noting the challenges posed by 92 active fires amid unusually high temperatures and the impact of the El Niño weather pattern.

  • Increased volcanic activity observed at Chile’s Villarrica volcano

    ByTeo Blašković

    Increased volcanic activity was detected at the Villarrica volcano in Chile, starting on September 24, 2023, prompting officials to elevate the alert level to Orange. Evacuations have commenced in affected communes, and educational institutions have been temporarily closed.

  • Extreme weather spells disaster for Chile’s beekeeping industry

    ByTW

    Extreme weather events, including significant floods and wildfires, have wreaked havoc on Chile’s bee colonies, essential pollinators for the country’s vital avocado and almond crops. The events, described as the worst in a decade, have critically endangered a key component of the South American nation’s multi-billion-dollar food industry.

  • Strong and shallow M6.4 earthquake hits off the coast of Chile

    ByTeo Blašković

    A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the CSN Chile as M6.4 hit off the coast of Maule, Chile at 17:33 UTC (14:33 LT) on March 30, 2023. The agency is reporting a depth of 22 km (13.7 miles). The USGS is reporting M6.3 at a depth of 13.1 km (8.1 miles); EMSC M6.3 at a depth of 12 km (7.4 miles).