In a message posted on X, Guterres offered his deepest condolences for the incident and recalled his recent visit to Chile back in 2023 when he saw firsthand the generosity of the Chilean people.

The UN representation on the ground supports the national response to the fire, added UNSG’s spokesman Stéphane Dujarric.

The UN team, led by resident coordinator María José Torres, is currently setting non-food items and assistance for post-disaster coordination challenges and is ready to aid Chilean government with any support it needs, Dujarric said in his briefing.

The blaze started past Friday in wooded land in Valparaíso, but given persistent drought and strong hot winds it quickly spread to populated areas in Villa Alemana, Quilpué, Limache and Viña del Mar.

On Monday, Chile’s Forensic Medical Service estimated 122 dead, and over 300 residents missing.

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