Biobío

Biobío is a region in southern Chile, located approximately 500km south of Santiago. It is currently newsworthy due to a series of intense wildfires that have caused widespread devastation. These fires, exacerbated by hot, dry, and windy conditions intensified by climate change, have resulted in at least 16 deaths, the evacuation of over 20,000 people, and the destruction of hundreds of homes. The severity of the situation has led Chilean President Gabriel Boric to declare a state of catastrophe in Biobío and the neighboring Ñuble region. The fires are particularly dangerous as they are sweeping through dry forests bordering the coastal city of Concepción. The situation is so dire that local mayors are appealing to the national government for assistance, highlighting the urgent need for resources to combat the blazes and support affected communities. The fires also threaten some of the world's oldest trees located in the broader Patagonia region.