Megaincendio
In his bachelor’s project, Stefan Nieland documents the aftermath of the devastating wildfire in Valparaíso, Chile.
‘Megaincendio’ is a photographic essay on the aftermath of the devastating fire that struck the Valparaíso region of Chile in February 2024. Almost two years later, the project documents the neighbourhoods where 137 people died and around 7,000 homes burned down. Much of the damage remains invisible to this day, however, as many of those affected lived in unregistered settlements and some deaths were never officially recorded. While people continue to rebuild and try to return to everyday life, a drought intensified by climate change still threatens the region with the constant risk of further fires. The project examines the structural causes and far-reaching consequences of the disaster. At its heart are stories of loss, resilience and the struggle for dignity in a community whose trauma still resonates today.
Photo: Stefan Nieland
Photo: Stefan Nieland
Photo: Stefan Nieland
