Antofagasta authorities address high alluvial flood risk

Authorities and researchers in Antofagasta, Chile, are addressing the high risk of alluvial flows caused by the region's 96 ravines. A study by Sernageomin identified several sectors, including Coloso, as highly susceptible to mass movement events as early as 2023. Despite these warnings, ten major ravines currently lack state-built containment pools or permanent retention works.

Geologist Francisca Roldán from the Universidad Católica del Norte and CIGIDEN has proposed the creation of a technical advisory council to study the soil response thresholds of individual ravines. This multidisciplinary approach aims to move beyond simple rainfall forecasting to better understand how the terrain reacts to precipitation.

Regional Governor Ricardo Díaz expressed support for the advisory council, noting that royalty funds have already been used to bolster research capacity and postgraduate studies. Regional presidential delegate Katherine López added that local authorities are working on short, medium, and long-term measures in accordance with national directives.