Chile begins to rebuild in wake of massive forest fires

Chilean President Michelle Bachelet on Tuesday said her government will make all efforts to begin reconstruction and recovery process following the massive forest fires in the country.

"We have identified various phases: emergency, firefighting and saving lives, then delivering subsidies to people," she added. "we must join efforts and not worsen the complexity of the challenges. Coordination is very important."

According to the latest figures, 61 fires remain active, 3,782 people have been driven from their homes, 1,151 people are in shelters and 1,025 houses have been destroyed.

"We have seen the flames sprout up, in part due to climate conditions and also due to imprudent acts as well as intentional ones," noted Bachelet.

As part of the recovery process, "I have put special emphasis for the delivery of resources and help to affected towns and families to be accelerated," said the president.

On Tuesday morning, Bachelet received representatives of social organization carrying out donation drives for the residents of affected zones.

source: Xinhua