Devastated Chileans have been surveying the damage to their homes after a massive fire ravaged parts of Valparaiso, killing around a dozen people and consuming over 2,000 acres of land.
Many of the victims were poor residents in houses perched high on the coastal city's remote hills. They now have to piece their lives back together in the wake of the disaster.
. VALPARAISO, Chile. REUTERS/Eliseo Fernandez
Fed by high temperatures and strong winds, flames moved from forest areas at the top of the city and destroyed large swaths of predominantly low-income, wooden housing.
. VALPARAISO, Chile. REUTERS/Eliseo Fernandez
Many residents are now faced with the task of removing debris from the wreckage of their homes.
Nearly 1,200 portenos, as Valparaiso locals are called, have been sleeping in emergency shelters needing water, food, cleaning products, clothes, school supplies and hygiene products.
. VALPARAISO, Chile. REUTERS/Eliseo Fernandez
The fire was the country's second big catastrophe in just two weeks after a massive 8.2 magnitude quake slammed northern Chile on April 1.
Many are struggling in the wake of the blaze.
"People are shattered; their homes are in tatters," said volunteer Carolina Diaz.
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. VALPARAISO, Chile. REUTERS/Ivan Alvarado
A melted clock lies in the rubble after the fire.
. VALPARAISO, Chile. REUTERS/Lucas Ninno
A bicycle that was destroyed by the flames lies on the ground.