Wildfire victims in Chile struggle to recover

Diaz is one of thousands of people who have lost most of their belongings and their livelihoods to some of the worst wildfires in Chile’s history.

Besides farmers and ranchers, hundreds of small-scale winemakers, beekeepers and artisans have also lost everything.

With the flames seeming to be finally dying down — though they sometimes spread anew when winds whip up smoldering ash — survivors are looking at how to recover their livelihoods amid complaints by some that state aid is not enough given the extent of the devastation.

By the time she arrived, the fires had destroyed her supplies, including the wool she uses to make blankets, tapestries and shawls.

Bachelet said flames are no longer threatening residential areas and that her government is beginning to hand out money and food to Chileans who have been worst-hit by the fires.