Heavy rains have caused significant damage in southern and central Chile, resulting in one death and hundreds of homes being affected. The severe weather prompted authorities to declare a state of catastrophe in multiple regions of the country. The person who died was in the city of Linares, where a street lamp post fell due to the prolonged downpours and strong winds. The weather service issued the highest level of alarm for 14 million people across six regions, but later lifted it as the storm passed and moved towards Argentina. Interior Minister Carolina Toha stated that while the worst of the storm has passed, caution is still necessary.
The central region of Chile had been experiencing a severe drought for 15 years before the heavy rains hit. Residents in affected areas, such as Curanilahue, reported the need for boats to assist with evacuation efforts. The town, located about 600km south of Santiago, experienced significant flooding as rivers overflowed due to the excessive rainfall. Approximately 2,000 homes in Curanilahue were damaged, with President Gabriel Boric warning that the rains were expected to continue strongly. A state of catastrophe was declared in five regions to speed up the deployment of resources, with around 3,300 people affected by the downpours according to SENAPRED.
In Santiago, schools were closed for the day and residents were urged to limit their movements due to the heavy rains. In Vina del Mar, experts worked to prevent the collapse of a 12-story apartment building after a sinkhole developed underneath it as a result of the weather. The weather service explained that a cold front combined with an “atmospheric river,” which is a moisture-laden air current, led to the intense rainfall in Chile. President Boric, who was in Sweden on an official visit, expressed concern about the ongoing rains and their impact on the country.
Overall, the heavy rains in Chile have caused significant damage and led to one fatality. The weather service issued a high-level alert for several regions, but later lifted it as the storm passed over the country. The residents in the affected areas, particularly in Curanilahue, faced challenges with flooding and required assistance, including boats for evacuation efforts. Authorities declared a state of catastrophe in multiple regions to expedite resource deployment and support for those affected. Despite the improvement in weather conditions, caution is advised as the situation is being monitored closely.
