In Pics: Forest Fires Rage Across Various Regions Of Chile, Claim 23 Lives

At least 23 people were reported dead in hundreds of wildfire raging across Chile amid a blistering heatwave, said a government official, reported AFP. Image Source: AFP

As per Deputy Interior Minister Manuel Monsalve, 232 wildfires were still active on Saturday. Image Source: AFP

Chilean government extended a state of disaster to include the southern region of Araucania. The regions of Nuble and Biobio were already under a disaster designation. Image Source: AFP

Temperatures soared to 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), hindering efforts to contain the fires, many of which raged out of control. Image Source: AFP

The fires destroyed at least 88 homes and swept through 47,000 hectares (116,000 acres) of forest, officials said. Image Source: AFP