Historic Chilean storm kills three, leaves 400,000 homes without power

A powerful frontal system swept across Chile in mid‑July, producing record rainfall, wind gusts up to 160 km/h and widespread flooding. The storm caused three deaths, destroyed about a hundred houses and cut electricity to more than 400,000 households, especially in the La Araucanía region.

Municipalities from the central coast to the interior responded with large emergency operations. Alcalde Marco Antonio González Candia of Algarrobo coordinated around 50 officials, deploying equipment, sandbags and clearing blocked roads. In the Limarí province, over 5,000 residents were isolated as rivers overflowed and routes were cut. Temuco’s mayor Roberto Neira directed 70 staff to address fallen trees, damaged homes and public facilities. Curicó highlighted the success of preventive works started in February that kept most waterways clear. Valparaíso’s mayor Camila Nieto reported 490 assistance requests, including sand and nylon distribution, while Molina avoided any inundations thanks to rapid road clearing and sandbag placement. La Cruz’s municipal team added three new motobombas and sand supplies to protect vulnerable neighborhoods. Across the country, authorities emphasized monitoring, evacuation of informal settlements near riverbeds and continued support for affected families.