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Talcahuano strengthens preparedness with wildfire simulation and maritime evacuation drill

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With the participation of the Chilean Navy, the National Disaster Prevention and Response Service (Senapred), Firefighters, and the local municipality, a wildfire simulation and maritime evacuation drill was conducted in the Tumbes cove of Talcahuano.

The initiative, whose main objective was to strengthen the response capacity of the community and emergency agencies, was described as a "very realistic" exercise by Rear Admiral Oxley, commander-in-chief of the Second Naval Zone.

The Tumbes cove, home to approximately 1,800 residents, sees its population increase to about 5,000 people during summer season weekends. The locality has only one access road, which represents a significant challenge in emergency situations. This exercise highlighted the need to create a second access to improve the safety of the inhabitants.

The presidential delegate of Biobío, Eduardo Pacheco, emphasized that the drill is the result of "many months of work" in which various entities have collaborated, including the Navy, Senapred, the municipality, the National Forestry Corporation (Conaf), and Firefighters. The purpose of these maneuvers is to develop effective tools and keep the population informed about the risks inherent to their environment.

During the simulation, action protocols and coordination among different emergency services were tested, as well as communication mechanisms with the community. The activity allowed for identifying areas for improvement and strengthening preparedness for potential natural disasters.

Conducting these types of exercises is essential to ensure a rapid and efficient response in case of real emergencies, thereby safeguarding the lives and property of citizens. The Tumbes community and local authorities continue to work together to enhance the area's resilience and ensure all inhabitants are prepared to act appropriately in any eventuality.