Here we bring to you WION's climate tracker that showcases climate stories from across the globe: Chile is facing a dire situation as reservoirs across the country are running dangerously low. This comes after the nation has faced 15 years of devastating drought. Meanwhile, Spanish region of Catalonia is facing an unprecedented crisis, as it grapples with its worst drought in history. Last month, officials in Catalonia declared a drought emergency. Petrochemical factories, power plants and agricultural drainage that carries fertilisers and other toxins further pollute Iraq's water. Watch in for more details!

Chile water crisis | Catalonia Drought | Copacabana's youngest beach cleaner

Chile is facing a dire situation as reservoirs across the country are running dangerously low. This comes after the nation has faced 15 years of devastating drought. In the Coquimbo region of northern Chile, the Cogoti reservoir, with a capacity of 150 million cubic meters, has completely depleted, leaving local residents desperate for water. Watch to know more!

Chile Water Crisis: Devastating drought is drying out Chile's drinking water

Wildfires in Chile's Valparaíso region. The fires erupted as many were on summer vacations in Viña del Mar, a city of roughly 330,000, and swept through the smaller neighboring cities of Quilpué, Limache, and Villa Alemana.

Chile Wildfire: Fire ravages hillside in Chile's Valparaiso

Texas battling Second-largest wildfires in US history Wildfires in Chile killed 131 people Brazilian Amazon: 3,000 wildfires in Feb From US To Australia, Fire Season Kicks Off early After 2023 deadly wildfires, the world is burning again

Wildfires: The burning issue

The British Museum is facing mounting pressure from social media users in Chile demanding the return of a stone monument stolen from Easter Island. The controversy surrounds two moai statues, originally from the Chilean territory of Rapa Nui, or Easter Island, which were acquired by the museum in 1868.

The online campaign gained momentum after a Chilean influencer encouraged his followers to inundate the museum's Instagram posts with comments advocating for the repatriation of the moai statues.&nbsp;

The British Museum responded by deactivating comments on a particular social media post.

<h2>About Rapa Nui and&nbsp;'Stolen Friend'</h2>

Rapa Nui, located about 3,700 km&nbsp;off Chile's Pacific coast, is renowned for its moai statues.

The statues are believed to embody the spirit of ancestors of the locals. Dating back to the period between 1400 and 1650 AD, many moai remain on the island, but others, including the Hoa Hakananai'a in the British Museum's collection, have been transferred to museums worldwide.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-capitals-athens-renews-campaign-to-get-back-stolen-pieces-of-greek-history-665837">The Capitals: Athens renews campaign to get back stolen pieces of Greek history</a>

The Hoa Hakananai'a, commonly referred to as the "Stolen Friend",&nbsp;along with a smaller moai named Hava, were presented as gifts to Queen Victoria in 1869 by Commodore Richard Powell, captain of a ship named HMS Topaze. Queen Victoria subsequently donated the statues to the British Museum.

Calls for the return of the Hoa Hakananai'a to Rapa Nui have persisted for years, and a recent campaign led by Chilean social media influencer Mike Milfort intensified the online movement.

Milfort's followers flooded the comments sections of the museum's Instagram posts with demands for repatriation.

Chile's President Gabriel Boric has also expressed support for the campaign.&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: British museum 'looted' by worker | WION

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The museum has presented a flimsy defence of why it continues to keep these important Chilean cultural figurines.&nbsp;

A spokesperson told the BBC that such debate must&nbsp;be "balanced against the need for safeguarding considerations, especially where young people are concerned".

The controversy follows a similar global debate, as last year&nbsp;Greece's prime minister called for the return of the Parthenon Sculptures, also known as the Elgin Marbles, from the British Museum.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The British Museum is facing mounting pressure from social media users in Chile demanding the return of a stone monument stolen from Easter Island. The controversy surrounds two moai statues, originally from the Chilean territory of Rapa Nui, or Easter Island, which were acquired by the museum in 1868.

The British Museum is facing mounting pressure from social media users in Chile demanding the return of a stone monument stolen from Easter Island. The controversy surrounds two moai statues, originally from the Chilean territory of Rapa Nui, or Easter Island, which were acquired by the museum in 1868. The online campaign gained momentum after a Chilean influencer encouraged his followers to inundate the museum's Instagram posts with comments advocating for the repatriation of the moai statues. The British Museum responded by deactivating comments on a particular social media post. About Rapa Nui and 'Stolen Friend' Rapa Nui, located about 3,700 km off Chile's Pacific coast, is renowned for its moai statues. The statues are believed to embody the spirit of ancestors of the locals. Dating back to the period between 1400 and 1650 AD, many moai remain on the island, but others, including the Hoa Hakananai'a in the British Museum's collection, have been transferred to museums worldwide. Also read | The Capitals: Athens renews campaign to get back stolen pieces of Greek history The Hoa Hakananai'a, commonly referred to as the "Stolen Friend", along with a smaller moai named Hava, were presented as gifts to Queen Victoria in 1869 by Commodore Richard Powell, captain of a ship named HMS Topaze. Queen Victoria subsequently donated the statues to the British Museum. Calls for the return of the Hoa Hakananai'a to Rapa Nui have persisted for years, and a recent campaign led by Chilean social media influencer Mike Milfort intensified the online movement. Milfort's followers flooded the comments sections of the museum's Instagram posts with demands for repatriation. Chile's President Gabriel Boric has also expressed support for the campaign. Also watch | Gravitas: British museum 'looted' by worker | WION × The museum has presented a flimsy defence of why it continues to keep these important Chilean cultural figurines. A spokesperson told the BBC that such debate must be "balanced against the need for safeguarding considerations, especially where young people are concerned". The controversy follows a similar global debate, as last year Greece's prime minister called for the return of the Parthenon Sculptures, also known as the Elgin Marbles, from the British Museum. (With inputs from agencies)

Chile's youngsters demand return of their country's 'stolen friends' from British museum

Chile is observing an official two-day mourning period, for the 123 people killed so far in the country's deadliest wildfires in recent history. Chile's investigative police force is probing areas where fires might have been started intentionally.

Chile mourns as wildfires claim at least 123 lives

Chilean ex-President Sebastian Pinera died in a helicopter crash on Tuesday, sending the country he led for two terms into mourning and prompting an outpouring of condolences from leaders across Latin America.

The helicopter carrying Pinera, 74, and three others plunged into a lake in southern Chile. The former president was pronounced dead shortly after rescue personnel arrived at the scene. The other three passengers survived.

Two sources told Reuters Pinera was the pilot, although officials have not confirmed that, nor the helicopter's intended destination.

Pinera often spent the Southern Hemisphere summers near the picturesque lakes that dot Chile's south, and frequently piloted his own helicopter.

President Gabriel Boric declared three days of national mourning, while preparations have begun for a state funeral on Friday for the former leader, who served two non-consecutive terms between 2010 and 2022.

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Interior Minister Carolina Toha said the ex-president's body had been recovered from the lake, near the town of Lago Ranco.

"We remember him for the way he dedicated his life to public service," said Toha, who has been helping to lead efforts to battle deadly wildfires in recent days.

Pinera was perhaps best known abroad for his role overseeing the spectacular rescue in 2010 of 33 miners who were trapped underneath the Atacama desert. The event became a global media sensation and was the subject of a 2014 movie, "The 33."

In Chile, he was known as a successful businessman whose first term was boosted by rapid economic growth but who was often seen as out-of-touch with the country's fast-changing society.

Both his presidencies were marred by frequent protests - of students demanding education reform in the first term, and of wider and often violent protests against inequality in his second term that ended with the government promising to draft a new constitution.

After leaving the presidency, Pinera remained active in politics, speaking out on issues like the attempt to draft a new constitution - which ultimately failed - and backing conservative politicians in the region, including Argentine President Javier Milei.

Former Argentine President Mauricio Macri expressed his sadness at the news of Pinera's death. "He was a good person, committed like no one else to Chile and to the values of freedom and democracy in Latin America," he said.

<h2>BUSINESS SUCCESS</h2>

The son of a prominent centrist politician, Pinera was a Harvard-trained economist who made his fortune introducing credit cards to Chile in the 1980s.

He was also a major shareholder in the flagship airline formerly known as LAN, local soccer team Colo-Colo, and a television station, although he sold most of those holdings when he took over the presidency in March 2010. As of 2024, he was ranked 1,176 on Forbes' global rich list, with a net worth of $2.7 billion.

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Known for a driven and competitive personality, one friend described Pinera as someone who could be a bully, reluctant to delegate responsibility.

He was also a risk-taker who enjoyed deep-sea diving.

Running for election to the presidency after a spell as a center-right senator, he wooed moderate voters by portraying himself as the leader of a new right and an entrepreneur who made his fortune with hard work.

At the same time, he distanced himself from the 1973-1990 rule of General Augusto Pinochet, when more than 3,000 suspected leftists were killed or "disappeared."

He lost his first attempt at the top job in 2005 to popular center-left leader Michelle Bachelet, but she was barred constitutionally from running for a second consecutive term and in 2009 he beat ex-president Eduardo Frei by a small margin.

That ended the 20-year rule of the center-left and fended off the bitter memories of Pinochet's bloody dictatorship that had hurt the right in past elections.

His honeymoon with the electorate was short-lived, though, and his stiff manner contrasted with the more amiable Bachelet, who both preceded and succeeded him as president.

Despite plaudits for his government's economic record, many Chileans felt he did not do enough to tackle deep inequality or address inadequacies in the country's education system.

Pinera and his wife Cecilia Morel had four children.&nbsp;

Chilean ex-President Sebastian Pinera died in a helicopter crash on Tuesday, sending the country he led for two terms into mourning and prompting an outpouring of condolences from leaders across Latin America.

Chilean ex-President Sebastian Pinera died in a helicopter crash on Tuesday, sending the country he led for two terms into mourning and prompting an outpouring of condolences from leaders across Latin America. The helicopter carrying Pinera, 74, and three others plunged into a lake in southern Chile. The former president was pronounced dead shortly after rescue personnel arrived at the scene. The other three passengers survived. Two sources told Reuters Pinera was the pilot, although officials have not confirmed that, nor the helicopter's intended destination. Pinera often spent the Southern Hemisphere summers near the picturesque lakes that dot Chile's south, and frequently piloted his own helicopter. President Gabriel Boric declared three days of national mourning, while preparations have begun for a state funeral on Friday for the former leader, who served two non-consecutive terms between 2010 and 2022. ALSO READ | Qatar receives ‘positive’ response from Hamas on hostage deal; militant group calls for ‘permanent ceasefire’ Interior Minister Carolina Toha said the ex-president's body had been recovered from the lake, near the town of Lago Ranco. "We remember him for the way he dedicated his life to public service," said Toha, who has been helping to lead efforts to battle deadly wildfires in recent days. Pinera was perhaps best known abroad for his role overseeing the spectacular rescue in 2010 of 33 miners who were trapped underneath the Atacama desert. The event became a global media sensation and was the subject of a 2014 movie, "The 33." In Chile, he was known as a successful businessman whose first term was boosted by rapid economic growth but who was often seen as out-of-touch with the country's fast-changing society. Both his presidencies were marred by frequent protests - of students demanding education reform in the first term, and of wider and often violent protests against inequality in his second term that ended with the government promising to draft a new constitution. After leaving the presidency, Pinera remained active in politics, speaking out on issues like the attempt to draft a new constitution - which ultimately failed - and backing conservative politicians in the region, including Argentine President Javier Milei. Former Argentine President Mauricio Macri expressed his sadness at the news of Pinera's death. "He was a good person, committed like no one else to Chile and to the values of freedom and democracy in Latin America," he said. BUSINESS SUCCESS The son of a prominent centrist politician, Pinera was a Harvard-trained economist who made his fortune introducing credit cards to Chile in the 1980s. He was also a major shareholder in the flagship airline formerly known as LAN, local soccer team Colo-Colo, and a television station, although he sold most of those holdings when he took over the presidency in March 2010. As of 2024, he was ranked 1,176 on Forbes' global rich list, with a net worth of $2.7 billion. ALSO READ | India to fence 1643-kilometre Indo-Myanmar border: Home Minister Amit Shah Known for a driven and competitive personality, one friend described Pinera as someone who could be a bully, reluctant to delegate responsibility. He was also a risk-taker who enjoyed deep-sea diving. Running for election to the presidency after a spell as a center-right senator, he wooed moderate voters by portraying himself as the leader of a new right and an entrepreneur who made his fortune with hard work. At the same time, he distanced himself from the 1973-1990 rule of General Augusto Pinochet, when more than 3,000 suspected leftists were killed or "disappeared." He lost his first attempt at the top job in 2005 to popular center-left leader Michelle Bachelet, but she was barred constitutionally from running for a second consecutive term and in 2009 he beat ex-president Eduardo Frei by a small margin. That ended the 20-year rule of the center-left and fended off the bitter memories of Pinochet's bloody dictatorship that had hurt the right in past elections. His honeymoon with the electorate was short-lived, though, and his stiff manner contrasted with the more amiable Bachelet, who both preceded and succeeded him as president. Despite plaudits for his government's economic record, many Chileans felt he did not do enough to tackle deep inequality or address inadequacies in the country's education system. Pinera and his wife Cecilia Morel had four children.

Chile's former president Sebastian Pinera dies in helicopter crash

Chile is observing an official two-day mourning period, for the 123 people killed so far in the country's deadliest wildfires in recent history. Chile's investigative police force is probing areas where fires might have been started intentionally. Watch to know more!

Chile mourns as Wildfires claim at least 123 lives

The death toll from wildfires raging across central Chile hit 123 on Tuesday as helicopters dumped tons of water on blazes and emergency crews told Reuters they were still finding bodies buried in the wreckage three days after the fires took hold.

The toll from Chile's worst natural disaster in years was expected to climb further as residents, firefighters and military raced to clear rubble in residential areas of the coastal cities of Valparaiso and Vina Del Mar where fireballs consumed houses within minutes.

"It's like a war zone, as if a bomb went off," said Jacqueline Atenas, 63, who fled her home in nearby Villa Independencia on Friday, returning to the wreckage on Monday carrying a small pink backpack, the only thing she had been able to save.

WATCH |&nbsp;Chile Wildfires: Neighbourhoods scorched, homes burnt out

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chile-wildfires-neighbourhoods-scorched-homes-burnt-out-687276/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"It burned like someone was throwing gasoline on the houses. I don't understand what happened... There was a lot of wind, a lot of wind and big balls of fire that would fly by."

Down the street, Luis Parra said he was barely able to escape with his wife and grandchildren. By the time he saw sparks reaching his house, the power had gone out and they couldn't open their gate to escape by car.

They managed to jump in a friend's car and get away. But his sister and his blind father died. Their bodies were found a block from their home. "We never thought this could happen," Parra said.

<h2>'SO MANY DEAD'</h2>

Other residents of Villa Independencia, a working-class neighborhood of Vina del Mar, described high winds and a fast-moving inferno.

Ingrid Crespo, 59, said she first saw the fire far in the distance on Friday then watched it jump from hill to hill.

"The sparks would leap and the wind was blowing like it was a hurricane," Crespo said. She started pouring water on her roof when she saw sparks flying in, but was too late to save her home.

She escaped in sandals with nothing but the clothes on her back. Many of her neighbors were killed. Her cat and dog died in the fire.

"When my son came on Sunday there were dead bodies," Crespo said. "There are so many dead."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chile-at-least-99-killed-as-wildfires-continue-to-rage-president-warns-toll-expected-to-rise-686966">Chile: At least 112 killed as wildfires continue to rage; president warns toll expected to rise</a>

Chile began an official two-day mourning period on Monday. Hundreds of people are still missing and some 14,000 homes have been damaged, officials say.

Drone footage filmed by Reuters in the Vina del Mar area showed whole neighborhoods scorched, with residents rummaging through husks of burnt-out houses where corrugated iron roofs have collapsed. On the streets, singed cars littered the roads.

<h2>'LIKE BEING IN HELL'</h2>

Deputy Interior Minister Manuel Monsalve on Sunday said there were still 165 active fires, up from 154 on Saturday. A curfew has been imposed in the hardest-hit regions and the military has been sent in to help firefighters stop the spread.

Monsalve said slightly lower temperatures and cloud cover could help authorities put out the fires in coming days.

"We're going to keep having high temperatures, but not extreme ones," Monsalve said at a press conference.

Chile's investigative police force (PDI) has said it was investigating areas where fires might have been started intentionally.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wildfires-in-chile-destroy-homes-endanger-worlds-smallest-deer-560238">Wildfires in Chile destroy homes, endanger world's smallest deer</a>

Chile, Argentina and other parts of South America's southern cone have been facing a severe heat wave, something experts say will become more common during the southern hemisphere summer months due to climate change.

Extreme weather in Chile has also been exacerbated by the El Nino weather phenomenon, which warms the Pacific Ocean.

Jesica Barrios, who lost her home in Vina del Mar, told Reuters over the weekend that the fire had arrived "from one moment to the next".

"The fire reached the botanical park and then in ten minutes it was already on us," she said. "There was smoke, the sky turned black, everything was dark. The wind felt like a hurricane. It was like being in hell."

The death toll from wildfires raging across central Chile hit 123 on Tuesday as helicopters dumped tons of water on blazes and emergency crews told Reuters they were still finding bodies buried in the wreckage three days after the fires took hold.

The death toll from wildfires raging across central Chile hit 123 on Tuesday as helicopters dumped tons of water on blazes and emergency crews told Reuters they were still finding bodies buried in the wreckage three days after the fires took hold. The toll from Chile's worst natural disaster in years was expected to climb further as residents, firefighters and military raced to clear rubble in residential areas of the coastal cities of Valparaiso and Vina Del Mar where fireballs consumed houses within minutes. "It's like a war zone, as if a bomb went off," said Jacqueline Atenas, 63, who fled her home in nearby Villa Independencia on Friday, returning to the wreckage on Monday carrying a small pink backpack, the only thing she had been able to save. WATCH | Chile Wildfires: Neighbourhoods scorched, homes burnt out "It burned like someone was throwing gasoline on the houses. I don't understand what happened... There was a lot of wind, a lot of wind and big balls of fire that would fly by." Down the street, Luis Parra said he was barely able to escape with his wife and grandchildren. By the time he saw sparks reaching his house, the power had gone out and they couldn't open their gate to escape by car. They managed to jump in a friend's car and get away. But his sister and his blind father died. Their bodies were found a block from their home. "We never thought this could happen," Parra said. 'SO MANY DEAD' Other residents of Villa Independencia, a working-class neighborhood of Vina del Mar, described high winds and a fast-moving inferno. Ingrid Crespo, 59, said she first saw the fire far in the distance on Friday then watched it jump from hill to hill. "The sparks would leap and the wind was blowing like it was a hurricane," Crespo said. She started pouring water on her roof when she saw sparks flying in, but was too late to save her home. She escaped in sandals with nothing but the clothes on her back. Many of her neighbors were killed. Her cat and dog died in the fire. "When my son came on Sunday there were dead bodies," Crespo said. "There are so many dead." ALSO READ | Chile: At least 112 killed as wildfires continue to rage; president warns toll expected to rise Chile began an official two-day mourning period on Monday. Hundreds of people are still missing and some 14,000 homes have been damaged, officials say. Drone footage filmed by Reuters in the Vina del Mar area showed whole neighborhoods scorched, with residents rummaging through husks of burnt-out houses where corrugated iron roofs have collapsed. On the streets, singed cars littered the roads. 'LIKE BEING IN HELL' Deputy Interior Minister Manuel Monsalve on Sunday said there were still 165 active fires, up from 154 on Saturday. A curfew has been imposed in the hardest-hit regions and the military has been sent in to help firefighters stop the spread. Monsalve said slightly lower temperatures and cloud cover could help authorities put out the fires in coming days. "We're going to keep having high temperatures, but not extreme ones," Monsalve said at a press conference. Chile's investigative police force (PDI) has said it was investigating areas where fires might have been started intentionally. ALSO READ | Wildfires in Chile destroy homes, endanger world's smallest deer Chile, Argentina and other parts of South America's southern cone have been facing a severe heat wave, something experts say will become more common during the southern hemisphere summer months due to climate change. Extreme weather in Chile has also been exacerbated by the El Nino weather phenomenon, which warms the Pacific Ocean. Jesica Barrios, who lost her home in Vina del Mar, told Reuters over the weekend that the fire had arrived "from one moment to the next". "The fire reached the botanical park and then in ten minutes it was already on us," she said. "There was smoke, the sky turned black, everything was dark. The wind felt like a hurricane. It was like being in hell."

'It's like a war zone': Death toll from wildfires raging across Chile rises to 123, hundreds still missing

Wildfires sweeping through central Chile have killed at least 112 people. Hundreds are still missing. Neighbourhoods have been scorched, and homes burnt out. Thousands of residents have been left with no choice but to evacuate their homes. Watch to know more!

Chile Wildfires: Neighbourhoods scorched, homes burnt out

At least 112 people have been killed as wildfires continued to rage across central Chile, reported news agency AFP citing the national organisation in charge of managing victims’ bodies, on Sunday (Feb 4) after President Gabriel Boric said the toll is expected to rise in upcoming days.

Chile: Forest fires raging in Chile kill at least 112

At least 99 people have been killed as wildfires continued to rage across central Chile, reported news agency AFP citing the national organisation in charge of managing victims’ bodies, on Sunday (Feb 4) after President Gabriel Boric said the toll is expected to rise in upcoming days.

Chile: At least 99 killed as wildfires continue to rage

Chile: At least 112 killed as wildfires continue to rage

Chile Wildfires: At least 112 killed, hundreds missing

At least 112 people have been killed as wildfires continued to rage across central Chile, reported news agency AFP citing the national organisation in charge of managing victims’ bodies.

On Sunday (Feb 4),&nbsp;President Gabriel Boric had said that the toll is expected to rise in coming days.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Chile: Wildfire rages through central Chile, President Boric conducts aerial inspection

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The death toll rose from 51 on Saturday (Feb 3).

“We are facing a tragedy of very great magnitude,” said Boric, adding it was the country’s deadliest disaster since a 2010 earthquake and tsunami that killed 500 people.&nbsp;

The Chilean president has announced two days of national mourning starting on Monday (Feb 5) and asked the country to be prepared for more bad news.

Around 200 people have been reported missing in Viña del Mar and the surrounding area, according to officials.&nbsp;

<h2>Situation in Chile</h2>

The wildfires which began several days ago have left bodies in the streets and homes gutted, while officials warned of “complicated” weather conditions in the coastal tourist region of Valparaiso.&nbsp;

The region has witnessed an intense summer heat wave, with temperatures soaring to 40 degrees Celsius over the weekend.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chile-declares-state-of-emergency-as-10-people-feared-dead-in-massive-forest-fires-686717">Chile declares state of emergency as forest fires leave at least 51 dead</a>

Firefighters continue to battle the massive fires which have been burning with the highest intensity around the city of Viña del Mar, one of the coastal cities popular with tourists.

At least 1,600 people were left without homes around the city, reported the Associated Press citing officials.

Chilean authorities have introduced a 9:00 pm (local time) curfew in the hardest-hit areas and sent in the military to help firefighters stem the spread of fires.&nbsp;

As of Sunday, nearly 26,000 hectares have been burned across the central and southern regions, according to the national disaster service, SENAPRED.&nbsp;

The SENAPRED chief Alvaro Hormazabal, as per AFP, said firefighters were battling 34 blazes as of Sunday morning, with 43 others under control. Weather “conditions are going to continue to be complicated,” he added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/colombia-declares-disaster-calls-for-international-help-as-due-to-raging-wildfires-across-the-country-683834">Colombia declares disaster, calls for international help due to raging wildfires across the country</a>

Rodrigo Mundaca, the governor of the Valparaiso region, on Sunday, said that he believed some of the fires could have been intentionally caused, replicating a theory mentioned by Boric.&nbsp;

“These fires began in four points that lit up simultaneously,” Mundaca said, as per AP. “As authorities we will have to work rigorously to find who is responsible.”&nbsp;

Notably, wildfires are not uncommon during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer but have become more lethal in recent years. The recent forest fires have been attributed to unusually high temperatures, low humidity and high wind speeds in central Chile.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

At least 112 people have been killed as wildfires continued to rage across central Chile, reported news agency AFP citing the national organisation in charge of managing victims’ bodies.

At least 112 people have been killed as wildfires continued to rage across central Chile, reported news agency AFP citing the national organisation in charge of managing victims’ bodies. On Sunday (Feb 4), President Gabriel Boric had said that the toll is expected to rise in coming days. WATCH | Chile: Wildfire rages through central Chile, President Boric conducts aerial inspection The death toll rose from 51 on Saturday (Feb 3). “We are facing a tragedy of very great magnitude,” said Boric, adding it was the country’s deadliest disaster since a 2010 earthquake and tsunami that killed 500 people. The Chilean president has announced two days of national mourning starting on Monday (Feb 5) and asked the country to be prepared for more bad news. Around 200 people have been reported missing in Viña del Mar and the surrounding area, according to officials. Situation in Chile The wildfires which began several days ago have left bodies in the streets and homes gutted, while officials warned of “complicated” weather conditions in the coastal tourist region of Valparaiso. The region has witnessed an intense summer heat wave, with temperatures soaring to 40 degrees Celsius over the weekend. ALSO READ | Chile declares state of emergency as forest fires leave at least 51 dead Firefighters continue to battle the massive fires which have been burning with the highest intensity around the city of Viña del Mar, one of the coastal cities popular with tourists. At least 1,600 people were left without homes around the city, reported the Associated Press citing officials. Chilean authorities have introduced a 9:00 pm (local time) curfew in the hardest-hit areas and sent in the military to help firefighters stem the spread of fires. As of Sunday, nearly 26,000 hectares have been burned across the central and southern regions, according to the national disaster service, SENAPRED. The SENAPRED chief Alvaro Hormazabal, as per AFP, said firefighters were battling 34 blazes as of Sunday morning, with 43 others under control. Weather “conditions are going to continue to be complicated,” he added. ALSO READ | Colombia declares disaster, calls for international help due to raging wildfires across the country Rodrigo Mundaca, the governor of the Valparaiso region, on Sunday, said that he believed some of the fires could have been intentionally caused, replicating a theory mentioned by Boric. “These fires began in four points that lit up simultaneously,” Mundaca said, as per AP. “As authorities we will have to work rigorously to find who is responsible.” Notably, wildfires are not uncommon during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer but have become more lethal in recent years. The recent forest fires have been attributed to unusually high temperatures, low humidity and high wind speeds in central Chile. (With inputs from agencies)

Chile: At least 112 killed as wildfires continue to rage; president warns toll expected to rise

A devastating wildfire is burning parts of Chile's central and southern region. officials are warning that the toll can rise soon. Watch to know more!

Chile Wildfire: At least 46 killed in wildfires, government declares state of emergency

The Chile government on Friday (Feb 3) declared a state of emergency after a massive, rapidly expanding wildfire engulfed nearly 480 hectares encircling a residential area in the central Valparaiso region threatening hundreds of homes.

The officials&nbsp;said that the forest fires&nbsp;have claimed the lives of at least 51 people further warning that the death toll is expected to rise.

Chilean President Gabriel Boric decreed "a state of emergency due to catastrophe, in order to have all the necessary resources" to fight the fires.

The fires consolidated in the Vina del Mar and Valparaiso tourist regions have devastated thousands of hectares of forest, cloaked coastal cities in a dense fog of grey smoke and forced people to flee their homes. &nbsp;

Earlier, the officials released a statement saying that 10 people were feared dead in the tragedy.

"We have preliminary information that several people have died, around 10," said Sofia Gonzales Cortes, state representative for the central region of Valparaiso.

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<h2>Fires destroy approximately 30 homes</h2>

The blaze destroyed nearly 30 homes in the towns of Estrella and Navidad, forcing evacuations near the surfing resort of Pichilemu.

"I've never seen anything like it," 63-year-old Yvonne Guzman told news agency AFP.&nbsp;

"It's very distressing because we've evacuated the house but we can't move forward. There are all these people trying to get out and who can't move," she said.&nbsp;

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<h2>'All forces deployed in fight against fires,' says Chilean president</h2>

Chilean President Gabriel Boric, on Friday (Feb 2), decreed "a state of emergency due to catastrophe, in order to have all the necessary resources" to fight the fires.

"All forces are deployed in the fight against the forest fires," he said in a message posted on social media platform X.

Nearly 7,000 hectares have been devastated in the wildfire in Valparaiso alone, as per CONAF, the Chilean national forest authority, which called the blazes "extreme."

The authorities closed the road which connects Valparaiso to the capital Santiago, as a giant cloud of smoke "reduced visibility".

(With inputs from agencies)

The Chile government on Friday (Feb 3) declared a state of emergency after a massive, rapidly expanding wildfire engulfed nearly 480 hectares encircling a residential area in the central Valparaiso region threatening hundreds of homes.

The Chile government on Friday (Feb 3) declared a state of emergency after a massive, rapidly expanding wildfire engulfed nearly 480 hectares encircling a residential area in the central Valparaiso region threatening hundreds of homes. The officials said that the forest fires have claimed the lives of at least 51 people further warning that the death toll is expected to rise. Chilean President Gabriel Boric decreed "a state of emergency due to catastrophe, in order to have all the necessary resources" to fight the fires. The fires consolidated in the Vina del Mar and Valparaiso tourist regions have devastated thousands of hectares of forest, cloaked coastal cities in a dense fog of grey smoke and forced people to flee their homes. Earlier, the officials released a statement saying that 10 people were feared dead in the tragedy. "We have preliminary information that several people have died, around 10," said Sofia Gonzales Cortes, state representative for the central region of Valparaiso. Also read: E Jean Carroll's lawyer says Trump used coded version of C-word against her Fires destroy approximately 30 homes The blaze destroyed nearly 30 homes in the towns of Estrella and Navidad, forcing evacuations near the surfing resort of Pichilemu. "I've never seen anything like it," 63-year-old Yvonne Guzman told news agency AFP. "It's very distressing because we've evacuated the house but we can't move forward. There are all these people trying to get out and who can't move," she said. Also read: Three injured in knife attack at railway station in Paris, suspect arrested 'All forces deployed in fight against fires,' says Chilean president Chilean President Gabriel Boric, on Friday (Feb 2), decreed "a state of emergency due to catastrophe, in order to have all the necessary resources" to fight the fires. "All forces are deployed in the fight against the forest fires," he said in a message posted on social media platform X. Nearly 7,000 hectares have been devastated in the wildfire in Valparaiso alone, as per CONAF, the Chilean national forest authority, which called the blazes "extreme." The authorities closed the road which connects Valparaiso to the capital Santiago, as a giant cloud of smoke "reduced visibility". (With inputs from agencies)

Chile declares state of emergency as forest fires leave at least 51 dead

A devastating wildfire is burning parts of Chile's central and southern regions. officials are warning that the toll can rise soon. Watch to know more!

Chile orders evacuation in tourist city Vina Del Mer

Chile declares state of emergency as 10 people feared dead in massive forest fires

In a statewide plebiscite, Chileans chose to reject the current version of the constitution in favor of a new, conservative one, with the "against" option garnering more than 55% of the vote.

Chile: 55.56% Chileans reject conservative Constitution, 44.24% vote in favour | Race To Power

Chilean voters rejected a proposed conservative constitution to replace the country’s current text which dates back to the Augusto Pinochet dictatorship, on Sunday (Dec 17). The recent vote came over a year after Chileans also rejected the proposed constitution written by a left-leaning convention which was also categorised as one of the world’s most progressive charters.

With 99.65 per cent of votes counted late Sunday, around 55.76 per cent rejected the new text while 44.24 per cent voted in favour of it.&nbsp;

Therefore with no majority once again, the 1980 constitution drafted during Pinochet’s bloody dictatorship – which has been amended several times over the years – will now remain in place.&nbsp;

<h2>What happens now?</h2>

Now that both drafts have been rejected, Leftist President Gabriel Boric said his government wouldn’t pursue a third rewrite and would move to amend the current text for pension and tax reform through the legislature.

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“The country got polarized, divided,” said Boric during a televised address, adding that the result shows the process “didn’t channel the hopes of having a new constitution written by everyone.”&nbsp;

The attempts to change the current text came after the country had been shaken by large anti-inequality protests in October 2019, leading the lawmakers to propose a change in the constitution as a way to quell the unrest.&nbsp;

The latest draft which was said to be more conservative than the one written during Pinochet’s rule between 1973-1990 was written mostly by the country’s right-wing Republican Party, led by Jose Antonio Kast.

The proposed 216-article constitution took years to draft and placed private property rights and strict rules around immigration and abortion. One of the most controversial articles in this draft said that “the law protects the life of the unborn,” which many had warned could make abortion fully illegal in the South American country.&nbsp;

The current Chilean law allows abortions for three reasons, rape, an unviable fetus and risk to the life of the mother.

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“Finally, after four years of intense debate and constitutional conversation, we’ve ended up at the same point,” said political analyst Kenneth Bunker, as quoted by Reuters.&nbsp;

He also noted that while the two sides have decided to give up on a new rewrite&nbsp;“the conversation is going to stop” and expects the issue to become key in the next presidential elections.&nbsp;

<h2>Political polarisation</h2>

Many Chileans have attributed the failure of both drafts to the country’s political polarisation, which has made it impossible for them to agree on a replacement constitution.&nbsp;

“Our differences are so irreconcilable that we cannot find a middle ground from which to move forward, and that is very sad indeed,” Claudio Fernandez, 41,&nbsp;told Reuters in&nbsp;the capital Santiago

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Most citizens are exhausted after 10 elections of various types in less than two and a half years. However, voting is compulsory in Chile.&nbsp;

The previous draft was dominated by left wing forces and focused on the expansion of social, indigenous, environmental and gender rights. The text was overwhelmingly rejected by voters back in September 2022.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Chilean voters rejected a proposed conservative constitution to replace the country’s current text which dates back to the Augusto Pinochet dictatorship, on Sunday (Dec 17).

Chilean voters rejected a proposed conservative constitution to replace the country’s current text which dates back to the Augusto Pinochet dictatorship, on Sunday (Dec 17). The recent vote came over a year after Chileans also rejected the proposed constitution written by a left-leaning convention which was also categorised as one of the world’s most progressive charters. With 99.65 per cent of votes counted late Sunday, around 55.76 per cent rejected the new text while 44.24 per cent voted in favour of it. Therefore with no majority once again, the 1980 constitution drafted during Pinochet’s bloody dictatorship – which has been amended several times over the years – will now remain in place. What happens now? Now that both drafts have been rejected, Leftist President Gabriel Boric said his government wouldn’t pursue a third rewrite and would move to amend the current text for pension and tax reform through the legislature. ALSO READ | Biden slams Trump for 'fascist-like rhetoric' against migrants and 'praising dictators' “The country got polarized, divided,” said Boric during a televised address, adding that the result shows the process “didn’t channel the hopes of having a new constitution written by everyone.” The attempts to change the current text came after the country had been shaken by large anti-inequality protests in October 2019, leading the lawmakers to propose a change in the constitution as a way to quell the unrest. The latest draft which was said to be more conservative than the one written during Pinochet’s rule between 1973-1990 was written mostly by the country’s right-wing Republican Party, led by Jose Antonio Kast. The proposed 216-article constitution took years to draft and placed private property rights and strict rules around immigration and abortion. One of the most controversial articles in this draft said that “the law protects the life of the unborn,” which many had warned could make abortion fully illegal in the South American country. The current Chilean law allows abortions for three reasons, rape, an unviable fetus and risk to the life of the mother. ALSO READ | Israel-Hamas war: Israeli hacking group disrupts 70% of Iran’s petrol pumps “Finally, after four years of intense debate and constitutional conversation, we’ve ended up at the same point,” said political analyst Kenneth Bunker, as quoted by Reuters. He also noted that while the two sides have decided to give up on a new rewrite “the conversation is going to stop” and expects the issue to become key in the next presidential elections. Political polarisation Many Chileans have attributed the failure of both drafts to the country’s political polarisation, which has made it impossible for them to agree on a replacement constitution. “Our differences are so irreconcilable that we cannot find a middle ground from which to move forward, and that is very sad indeed,” Claudio Fernandez, 41, told Reuters in the capital Santiago ALSO READ | North Korea's missile launches a threat to peace and stability: Japanese PM Kishida Most citizens are exhausted after 10 elections of various types in less than two and a half years. However, voting is compulsory in Chile. The previous draft was dominated by left wing forces and focused on the expansion of social, indigenous, environmental and gender rights. The text was overwhelmingly rejected by voters back in September 2022. (With inputs from agencies)

Chileans vote against new conservative constitution to replace current dictatorship-era text

Chile: Voters reject second draft of Constitution, new draft by Republican-led panel | WION

Lionel Messi and Argentina will get the chance to avenge their defeats to Chile in the 2015 and 2016 Copa America finals after being grouped with their old rivals in the draw for next year's tournament on Thursday. Reigning Copa America champions Argentina will defend their title in the United States next summer in an expanded 16-team tournament which features 10 South American teams and six qualifiers from the CONCACAF region.

Argentina, winners of last year's World Cup, will kick off the tournament on June 20 in Atlanta against either Canada or Trinidad &amp; Tobago, who meet in a playoff next year to determine one of two remaining CONCACAF slots. The Argentines will then face Chile in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on June 25 in a repeat of the 2016 Copa America Centenario final held at the same venue.

Argentina, beaten by Chile in Santiago on penalties a year earlier in 2015, also lost the 2016 final on spot-kicks, with Messi blazing his penalty over the bar. The Argentine captain later announced a shortlived retirement from international football after the defeat, before reversing the move and continuing his career.

The world champions will wrap up their Group A campaign in familiar territory for Inter Miami' Messi, facing Peru in Miami on June 29 in their final first-round game. Elsewhere, Mexico were drawn in a Group B alongside Ecuador, Venezuela and Jamaica, while the United States face Uruguay, Panama and Bolivia in Group C.

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Five-time world champions Brazil, beaten in the 2021 final on home soil by Argentina at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, have a potentially tricky group containing Colombia, Paraguay and either Costa Rica or Honduras. Next year's Copa America is being seen as an effective test run for the 2026 World Cup taking place in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez said at Thursday's draw that the tournament would be a "Copa America of the World." "The world champion team (Argentina), the only five-time world champion team (Brazil), the first world champion team (Uruguay) will take part, along with the best players in the world, who are Latin Americans," Dominguez said.

Brazil open their campaign at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, the futuristic home of the Los Angeles Rams NFL team, against either Costa Rica or Honduras on June 24. They face Paraguay in Las Vegas on June 28 before concluding their group play against Colombia at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, home of the San Francisco 49ers.

A total of 14 stadiums will be used for the tournament, most of them large capacity venues that belong to NFL teams. If Argentina win Group A, they will face the runner-up of from Group B in the quarter-finals on July 4 at Houston's NRG Stadium -- where they defeated the United States in the semi-final in 2016.

The Arlington, Texas home of the Dallas Cowboys will host another quarter-final on July 5, with Las Vegas' Allegiant Stadium and the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, rounding out the last eight venues. The semi-finals will take place at East Rutherford on July 9, and in Charlotte on July 10, with the final taking place at Miami on July 14.

Lionel Messi and Argentina will get the chance to avenge their defeats to Chile in the 2015 and 2016 Copa America finals after being grouped with their old rivals in the draw for next year's tournament on Thursday.

Lionel Messi and Argentina will get the chance to avenge their defeats to Chile in the 2015 and 2016 Copa America finals after being grouped with their old rivals in the draw for next year's tournament on Thursday. Reigning Copa America champions Argentina will defend their title in the United States next summer in an expanded 16-team tournament which features 10 South American teams and six qualifiers from the CONCACAF region. Argentina, winners of last year's World Cup, will kick off the tournament on June 20 in Atlanta against either Canada or Trinidad & Tobago, who meet in a playoff next year to determine one of two remaining CONCACAF slots. The Argentines will then face Chile in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on June 25 in a repeat of the 2016 Copa America Centenario final held at the same venue. Argentina, beaten by Chile in Santiago on penalties a year earlier in 2015, also lost the 2016 final on spot-kicks, with Messi blazing his penalty over the bar. The Argentine captain later announced a shortlived retirement from international football after the defeat, before reversing the move and continuing his career. The world champions will wrap up their Group A campaign in familiar territory for Inter Miami' Messi, facing Peru in Miami on June 29 in their final first-round game. Elsewhere, Mexico were drawn in a Group B alongside Ecuador, Venezuela and Jamaica, while the United States face Uruguay, Panama and Bolivia in Group C. Also Read: Upstart Indiana Pacers topple Milwaukee Bucks to storm into NBA Cup final Five-time world champions Brazil, beaten in the 2021 final on home soil by Argentina at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, have a potentially tricky group containing Colombia, Paraguay and either Costa Rica or Honduras. Next year's Copa America is being seen as an effective test run for the 2026 World Cup taking place in the United States, Canada and Mexico. CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez said at Thursday's draw that the tournament would be a "Copa America of the World." "The world champion team (Argentina), the only five-time world champion team (Brazil), the first world champion team (Uruguay) will take part, along with the best players in the world, who are Latin Americans," Dominguez said. Brazil open their campaign at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, the futuristic home of the Los Angeles Rams NFL team, against either Costa Rica or Honduras on June 24. They face Paraguay in Las Vegas on June 28 before concluding their group play against Colombia at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, home of the San Francisco 49ers. A total of 14 stadiums will be used for the tournament, most of them large capacity venues that belong to NFL teams. If Argentina win Group A, they will face the runner-up of from Group B in the quarter-finals on July 4 at Houston's NRG Stadium -- where they defeated the United States in the semi-final in 2016. The Arlington, Texas home of the Dallas Cowboys will host another quarter-final on July 5, with Las Vegas' Allegiant Stadium and the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, rounding out the last eight venues. The semi-finals will take place at East Rutherford on July 9, and in Charlotte on July 10, with the final taking place at Miami on July 14.

Old rivals Lionel Messi-led Argentina and Chile to face each other in Copa America 2024

A 62% to 38% vote rejected the proposed constitution, which had been met with "intense criticism that it was too long, too left-wing, and too radical". Although many voters found it excessively divisive, it was regarded as one of the most progressive constitutions in the world, and controversy hampered the process.

Chile vote on new draft constitution is set for December 17

A very strong earthquake of 6.7 magnitude was reported in Chile on Tuesday (Oct 31) morning. As per reports, the earthquake was reported near La Serena, Elqui, Coquimbo Region at 7.33 am local time at a shallow depth of 10 kilometres. The report said that the quake was probably felt by many people in the area of the epicentre.

However, no significant damage had been reported so far, apart from objects falling from shelves, and broken windows. A report by the news agency Associated Press said the quake was felt in several provinces in neighboring Argentina, including western Mendoza and San Juan provinces, which border Chile, as well as central Cordoba province.&nbsp;

This earthquake in Chile comes over a month after an earthquake of 6.2 magnitude struck the country's northern region on September 7.&nbsp;

The US Geological Survey said the earthquake was registered at 8.48 pm local time and its epicentre was 41 kilometres south-southwest of Coquimbo. The quake had a depth of 41 kilometres.&nbsp;

Here too, no injuries or damages were reported. 
&nbsp;

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A very strong earthquake of 6.7 magnitude was reported in Chile on Tuesday (Oct 31) morning. As per reports, the earthquake was reported near La Serena, Elqui, Coquimbo Region at 7.

A very strong earthquake of 6.7 magnitude was reported in Chile on Tuesday (Oct 31) morning. As per reports, the earthquake was reported near La Serena, Elqui, Coquimbo Region at 7.33 am local time at a shallow depth of 10 kilometres. The report said that the quake was probably felt by many people in the area of the epicentre. However, no significant damage had been reported so far, apart from objects falling from shelves, and broken windows. A report by the news agency Associated Press said the quake was felt in several provinces in neighboring Argentina, including western Mendoza and San Juan provinces, which border Chile, as well as central Cordoba province. This earthquake in Chile comes over a month after an earthquake of 6.2 magnitude struck the country's northern region on September 7. The US Geological Survey said the earthquake was registered at 8.48 pm local time and its epicentre was 41 kilometres south-southwest of Coquimbo. The quake had a depth of 41 kilometres. Here too, no injuries or damages were reported. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Earthquake of 6.7 magnitude jolts Chile

Fly-half Owen Farrell will captain England against Chile on his return from a ban for this weekend's Rugby World Cup pool game, the Rugby Football Union announced on Thursday.

Farrell, 31, who has been banned since last month's warm-up victory over Wales, is one of 12 changes head coach Steve Borthwick has made for Saturday's game in Lille as England seek a third Pool D win in a row.

Saracens playmaker Farrell replaces the in-form George Ford for unbeaten England with Marcus Smith starting at full-back.

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"One of the many great things about the Rugby World Cup is that the tournament provides an excellent opportunity to play against teams that we rarely have a chance to see," Borthwick said in a statement.

"It is for that reason that we are particularly looking forward to testing ourselves against Chile on Saturday.

"Having watched our next opponent closely, we know that we will have to prepare and play well against a committed Chile team.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"As we head to the next round, it is only right that I once again pay tribute to our excellent supporters who I know will be right behind us in Lille this weekend," the former England skipper added.

It will be the first time in his career that Harlequins' Smith, 24, has started at full-back for either club or country.

Elliot Daly moves to centre from the No. 15 shirt, Lewis Ludlam is now at No. 8 and tight-head prop Kyle Sinckler are the three players to keep their spot.

Ford is named on the bench along with four fellow starters -- prop Joe Marler, lock Ollie Chessum, back-rower Ben Earl and centre Joe Marchant -- from last Sunday's victory over Japan.

England end their group campaign by facing Samoa in Lille on October 7.

England (15-1)

Marcus Smith; Henry Arundell, Elliot Daly, Ollie Lawrence, Max Malins; Owen Farrell (capt), Danny Care; Billy Vunipola, Jack Willis, Lewis Ludlam; George Martin, David Ribbans; Kyle Sinckler, Theo Dan, Bevan Rodd

Replacements: Jack Walker, Joe Marler, Will Stuart, Ollie Chessum, Ben Earl, Ben Youngs, George Ford, Joe Marchant

Head coach: Steve Borthwick (ENG)

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Fly-half Owen Farrell will captain England against Chile on his return from a ban for this weekend's Rugby World Cup pool game, the Rugby Football Union announced on Thursday.

Fly-half Owen Farrell will captain England against Chile on his return from a ban for this weekend's Rugby World Cup pool game, the Rugby Football Union announced on Thursday. Farrell, 31, who has been banned since last month's warm-up victory over Wales, is one of 12 changes head coach Steve Borthwick has made for Saturday's game in Lille as England seek a third Pool D win in a row. Saracens playmaker Farrell replaces the in-form George Ford for unbeaten England with Marcus Smith starting at full-back. Also Read: Rugby World Cup: Captain Michele Lamaro lauds Italy's second-half comeback against Uruguay "One of the many great things about the Rugby World Cup is that the tournament provides an excellent opportunity to play against teams that we rarely have a chance to see," Borthwick said in a statement. "It is for that reason that we are particularly looking forward to testing ourselves against Chile on Saturday. "Having watched our next opponent closely, we know that we will have to prepare and play well against a committed Chile team. "As we head to the next round, it is only right that I once again pay tribute to our excellent supporters who I know will be right behind us in Lille this weekend," the former England skipper added. It will be the first time in his career that Harlequins' Smith, 24, has started at full-back for either club or country. Elliot Daly moves to centre from the No. 15 shirt, Lewis Ludlam is now at No. 8 and tight-head prop Kyle Sinckler are the three players to keep their spot. Ford is named on the bench along with four fellow starters -- prop Joe Marler, lock Ollie Chessum, back-rower Ben Earl and centre Joe Marchant -- from last Sunday's victory over Japan. England end their group campaign by facing Samoa in Lille on October 7. England (15-1) Marcus Smith; Henry Arundell, Elliot Daly, Ollie Lawrence, Max Malins; Owen Farrell (capt), Danny Care; Billy Vunipola, Jack Willis, Lewis Ludlam; George Martin, David Ribbans; Kyle Sinckler, Theo Dan, Bevan Rodd Replacements: Jack Walker, Joe Marler, Will Stuart, Ollie Chessum, Ben Earl, Ben Youngs, George Ford, Joe Marchant Head coach: Steve Borthwick (ENG) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Rugby World Cup: Owen Farrell to captain England against Chile upon return from ban

Chile's government on Wednesday (August 30) launched a programme to investigate what happened to more than 1,000 people who disappeared during the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet.

Chile's government on Wednesday (August 30) launched a programme to investigate what happened to more than 1,000 people who disappeared during the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet. During a ceremony at the presidential palace, President Gabriel Boric said, "Justice has taken too long. The only way to build a future that is more free and respectful of life and human dignity is to know the whole truth." According to a report by the news agency AFP, the programme - called Truth and Justice - will have a dedicated budget and staff. The report said that investigators will be tasked with reconstructing the victims' final days - from their arrest to their final destination. Detainees Gaby Rivera, the president of the Association of Relatives of Disappeared Detainees Gaby Rivera, said at the ceremony that no other government has had the political will required to help the affected families. The 1973 coup and subsequent abuse Augusto Pinochet seized power in a bloody coup on September 11, 1973. The coup was backed by the United States, and Pinochet would remain in power until 1990. Pinochet died in 2006 without ever being convicted for the crimes committed by his regime. According to Chile's justice ministry, 40,175 people were executed, detained, and disappeared, or tortured as political prisoners during Pinochet's dictatorship. Government reports showed that 1,469 people were victims of forced disappearances. Of these, 1,092 were secretly detained and 377 were executed. Before Truth and Justice was launched, the circumstances of those who were declared missing were not looked into. A major obstacle had been the recalcitrance from former soldiers, accused by next-of-kin of having forged a "pact of silence" to keep their crimes hidden. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Chile: Govt starts investigating disappearances during Pinochet's regime

Chile's glaciers are melting and fast disappearing because of climate change.

Chile: In the shadow of melting glacier

A retired general in Chile killed himself on Tuesday (August 29) before his conviction for 1973 murder of beloved folk singer Victor Jara, said the attorney general's office. The murder had taken place in the aftermath of the military coup that installed dictator Augusto Pinochet.

Hernan Chacon, 85, was among seven former soldiers who had jail terms confirmed on Monday after an appeal.&nbsp;

Prosecutor Claudio Suazo said that Chacon "took a firearm, firing a shot that caused his death" when police went to his home to bring him to prison.

The singer Jara, 40, was arrested the day after the September 11, 1973, CIA-backed coup that overthrew Salvador Allende.&nbsp;

His body was found days later, riddled with 44 bullets. He had been held, along with some 5,000 other political prisoners, in a sports stadium where he was interrogated, tortured and killed.&nbsp;

The singer-guitarist's fingers were crushed by rifle butts and boots,&nbsp;among other horrors.

Jara was a member of Chile's Communist Party and a fervent supporter of the Popular Unity coalition that backed Marxist president Allende, who came to power by popular vote in 1970.&nbsp;

The body of a fellow detainee, Littre Quiroga (33) was found with signs of torture near that of Jara.

The ruling on Monday confirmed 15-year sentences for Jara's murder and another 10 years for their kidnapping. The sentences were to be handed to Chacon and five other ex-army officials.

Eight year sentence was handed to another former soldier for the role he played in cover-up of the crimes.

Jara was known for his pacifist views. The lyrics of his songs spoke of love and social protest. The singer became an icon of Latin American music. "The right to live in peace"&nbsp;is one of his popular songs.

He inspired musicians from U2 to Bob Dylan, and at a 2013 concert in Santiago, Bruce Springsteen paid tribute to him.&nbsp;

Pinochet was ruler of Chile until 1990. He died in 2006. He was never convicted for crimes committed by his regime. It is believed that the regime is responsible for killing 3200 leftist activists and other opponents.

A few days ahead of the anniversary of the coup, the Supreme Court on Tuesday posthumously bestowed the title of lawyer on eight people murdered under Pinochet -- including Allende's former interior minister Jose Toha.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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A retired general in Chile killed himself on Tuesday (August 29) before his conviction for 1973 murder of beloved folk singer Victor Jara, said the attorney general's office.

A retired general in Chile killed himself on Tuesday (August 29) before his conviction for 1973 murder of beloved folk singer Victor Jara, said the attorney general's office. The murder had taken place in the aftermath of the military coup that installed dictator Augusto Pinochet. Hernan Chacon, 85, was among seven former soldiers who had jail terms confirmed on Monday after an appeal. Prosecutor Claudio Suazo said that Chacon "took a firearm, firing a shot that caused his death" when police went to his home to bring him to prison. The singer Jara, 40, was arrested the day after the September 11, 1973, CIA-backed coup that overthrew Salvador Allende. His body was found days later, riddled with 44 bullets. He had been held, along with some 5,000 other political prisoners, in a sports stadium where he was interrogated, tortured and killed. The singer-guitarist's fingers were crushed by rifle butts and boots, among other horrors. Jara was a member of Chile's Communist Party and a fervent supporter of the Popular Unity coalition that backed Marxist president Allende, who came to power by popular vote in 1970. The body of a fellow detainee, Littre Quiroga (33) was found with signs of torture near that of Jara. The ruling on Monday confirmed 15-year sentences for Jara's murder and another 10 years for their kidnapping. The sentences were to be handed to Chacon and five other ex-army officials. Eight year sentence was handed to another former soldier for the role he played in cover-up of the crimes. Jara was known for his pacifist views. The lyrics of his songs spoke of love and social protest. The singer became an icon of Latin American music. "The right to live in peace" is one of his popular songs. He inspired musicians from U2 to Bob Dylan, and at a 2013 concert in Santiago, Bruce Springsteen paid tribute to him. Pinochet was ruler of Chile until 1990. He died in 2006. He was never convicted for crimes committed by his regime. It is believed that the regime is responsible for killing 3200 leftist activists and other opponents. A few days ahead of the anniversary of the coup, the Supreme Court on Tuesday posthumously bestowed the title of lawyer on eight people murdered under Pinochet -- including Allende's former interior minister Jose Toha. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Chilean general, to be jailed for 1973 murder of folk singer Victor Jara, kills himself 

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