Chile storm leaves 13 dead, $400 million damage and massive recovery effort

Intense rains and strong winds from a system frontal hit ten Chilean regions in mid‑July, causing 13 fatalities, four missing persons and more than 3,500 people directly affected. The disaster damaged over 25,000 homes, destroyed bridges, roads and power lines, and left roughly 176,000 customers without electricity and 20,000 without water. Economic losses are estimated at around $400 million, with the retail sector alone hit by $20‑25 million and a projected 0.2‑0.3 point drop in the monthly activity index. President José Antonio Kast declared a state of catastrophe for the hardest‑hit areas, mobilising the military and emergency services. Recovery actions include the deployment of 290 CGE brigades that have reduced electricity outages to about 7,000 customers, a regional investment of more than $11.2 billion in 41 machines to clear flood‑damaged channels, and the establishment of shelters such as the one in Independencia visited by Health Minister May Chomali. Ongoing efforts focus on restoring connectivity, clearing debris, and providing aid to displaced families.