Jan 19, Kathmandu - Chilean President Gabriel Boric has declared a state of disaster in two regions of the country. At least 18 people have died in major forest fires in the regions.

More than 50,000 people have been evacuated from the Nubl and Biobío regions, located about 500 kilometers south of the capital Santiago.

Boric said the death toll was expected to rise. The most dangerous fire in Chile is raging in a dry forest near the coastal city of Concepción. According to disaster management officials, about 250 homes have been destroyed.

Local media have shown pictures of burned cars on the streets.

According to Chile's forestry agency, Conaf, the most serious situation is in Nubl and Biobío. So far, 8,500 hectares, or about 21,000 acres, have been burned in the two regions.