Antofagasta Region expands hydrological monitoring network

The Antofagasta Region in Chile has expanded its hydrological monitoring network with the addition of new stations designed to track precipitation and river behavior. Key installations include two fluviometric stations located in Yerbas Buenas, within the Salar de Atacama basin, and in Río Salado near Chiu-Chiu in the Loa River basin.

Additional meteorological stations have been deployed in Sierra Gorda, Caracoles, and Bonilla TK to improve data collection on rainfall and other parameters. The data gathered is integrated into the records of the Dirección General de Aguas (DGA) and is available to agencies such as SENAPRED to assist in decision-making during extreme weather events or rising river levels. The DGA plans to continue expanding this network through 2026, with future stations planned for Carolina de Michilla, Hornitos, Mejillones, and Paposo to improve coastal monitoring and water balance studies.