A devastating fire ravaging the Chilean port city of Valparaíso has claimed the lives of 12 people, injured 500, destroyed 2,000 homes and forced 10,000 to flee their homes.

The fire, which began Saturday in a forest located on a densely populated hill, grew uncontrollable due to strong winds and high temperatures, the New York Times reported. Despite being partially controlled by Sunday, hundreds were forced to evacuate that night after the fire picked up once again.

On Sunday, Chilean President Michelle Bachelet said that 2,000 troops had been sent to help maintain order and that 1,250 firefighters were working to put out the blaze. The NYT reported that 17 aircraft also joined the operation after wind and the flames died down.

"This is a tremendous tragedy and perhaps the worst fire in Valparaíso's history," Bachelet said.

During her trip to the ravaged city, Bachelet toured the shelters that have taken in the nearly 10,000 residents that were forced to evacuate. According to Fox News Latino, the newly re-elected president also canceled this week's trip to Argentina and Uruguay.

While relief efforts are mainly localized, there are several ways to help from abroad. Chilean Consul General Julio Fiol, in New York, told Latino Post that those wishing to help should head over to the various non-profits or foundations that coordinate efforts back in Chile.

La Cruz Roja Chilena is taking monetary donations on its website and has an account set up with Citibank for donations here in the U.S. For more information, visit their site here. Fiol also suggested donors head over to Hogar de Cristo, "Levantemos a Chile" and Un Techo Para Chile. 

The consul general added that several local Chilean organization and groups were coordinating events for the weekend. More information will be provided as it becomes available. 

UPDATE: The Chilean Consulate General in New York announced that there will be a fundraiser at "Marcela Reposteria Chilena," located at 7626 Broadway, North Bergen, N.J. A traditional Chilean lunch will be available on Saturday, April 19 for $25. $15 will go towards the relief efforts back in Chile. For more information, call 201-868-2024.