Torrential rains in Chile cause casualties, isolated communities, and flooding

Heavy rainfall in central-southern Chile has resulted in two fatalities, with three people reported missing.

The downpours have also led to 419 affected individuals, 2,759 people isolated, and flooding in various urban areas.

Chilean President Gabriel Boric expressed solidarity with those impacted by the emergency, emphasizing the collective efforts of the State, Armed Forces, Carabineros (Military Police), civil society organizations, and supportive neighbors in facing the situation.

Chileans’ resilience in the face of catastrophes was acknowledged.

President Boric further announced the suspension of a water cut planned for Saturday night in 34 communes of the Metropolitan Region as weather conditions and water turbidity levels in the Maipo River, a significant water source for the capital city, have improved.

However, Aguas Andinas, the country’s primary water company, remains on high alert until their water reserves recover by 25 percent.

The government confirmed two deaths caused by falling trees during the storms affecting the country.

In response to the situation, the Executive has declared a catastrophe zone between the Valparaíso and Biobío regions, allowing for allocating additional resources once the initially designated emergency resources have been exhausted.

The Licantén commune, located approximately 270 kilometers south of Santiago, has experienced severe consequences from the overflowing Mataquito River, resulting in flooded houses, shopping centers, and the Licantén Hospital.

Similarly, around 80 percent of the Coltauco commune, situated 120 kilometers south of Santiago, is currently flooded due to the overflow of the Cachapoal River at multiple points.

The government highlighted that Chile had not witnessed a storm of this magnitude since 1993.