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Our UN teams are on the ground in 162 countries and territories, coordinating joint programs and addressing a range of multifaceted priorities and key issues, from climate action and food security to gender equality and civilian safety. We are working on these initiatives every day. The United Nations Resident Coordinator and his team leverage innovative approaches to problem-solving to better serve communities. Below are highlights of their work this month.
Monday, February 5th
Chile: Supporting national response to devastating wildfires
The UN team in Chile, led by Resident Coordinator María José Torres Macho, is ramping up preparations to support the country’s response to devastating wildfires across the country. Ms. Torres Macho led an emergency session today to strengthen our team’s support to national and local governments. The main focus will be on-the-ground assessment of the needs of affected populations, ranging from mental health, water and sanitation, support to children and youth, women and other particularly vulnerable groups. Our team also prepares non-food items and assistance with post-disaster adjustment challenges. UN agencies in Chile, together with regional teams from the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), are standing ready to provide additional support in the event of an official request for international assistance from the government. Last weekend, the United Nations team in Chile extended its heartfelt support and condolences, especially to those affected by the wildfires that devastated the Valparaíso region, about 115 km west of the capital, Santiago. The death toll stands at 112, with nearly 300 missing, and the team is working closely with the Disaster Management Agency. Our team, which is closely monitoring the situation, commends the authorities for their swift response as 165 simultaneous fires break out across the country and more than 4,000 homes have been destroyed in the past three days. Our colleagues are also concerned about the impact on our natural heritage, which has unique ecosystems and biodiversity.
Interested in more? Check out previous daily updates from UN teams ‘around the world’.
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