Severe rainfall battered the south and central regions of Chile on Thursday, resulting in one fatality and significant damage to hundreds of homes. Authorities declared a state of catastrophe in five regions of the South American nation.
A tragic incident occurred in the southern city of Linares, where a person lost their life after a street lamp post collapsed due to prolonged heavy rain and strong winds, as reported by the Senapred disaster response service.
The Chilean weather service issued the highest level of alarm, affecting around 14 million out of the country’s 20 million inhabitants in six regions. However, the alert was later lifted as authorities announced that 80 percent of the storm had passed, moving towards neighboring Argentina.
Prior to the torrential floods, the central region of Chile had been grappling with a severe drought for 15 years.
“Boats are needed to evacuate people,” expressed a resident from one of the impacted towns, Curanilahue, in an interview with national television.
Curanilahue, located approximately 600 kilometers (372 miles) south of Santiago, faced significant damage as the Curanilahue and Las Ranas rivers overflowed following 350 millimeters (13.7 inches) of rainfall in just a few hours—more than the total amount in 2023. About 2,000 houses in the area were affected.
President Gabriel Boric, while in Sweden on an official visit, cautioned that the heavy rains “will persist intensely” as he confirmed the first casualty.
Interior Minister Carolina Toha, en route to the affected regions, declared a state of “catastrophe” in five areas to expedite resource deployment.
Sources reported that the downpours impacted around 3,300 individuals, a decrease from the initial estimate of 4,300.
In Santiago, where heavy rains also occurred, schools remained closed for the day and the public was advised to limit their movements.
In Vina del Mar, experts worked to prevent the collapse of a 12-story apartment building at risk due to a massive sinkhole formed by the rainfall.
The weather service highlighted a cold front across the nation, accompanied by an “atmospheric river” transporting substantial moisture.
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