Chile's MOP launches emergency road repairs after severe rains

The Ministry of Public Works (MOP) in Chile is undertaking a series of emergency actions to address extensive road damage caused by recent heavy rains. The regional public works secretary, David Plaza, will inspect the deteriorated Ruta R‑400 in the Ercilla area and work to reactivate the stalled paving project between Pidima and Los Sauces, a key rural connection.

On the northern stretch of Ruta 5, metal mesh barriers installed at Cuesta Chinchorro successfully contained a rockfall, preventing road blockage and allowing traffic to continue. The MOP also opened an emergency bypass on the coastal N‑42 between Cobquecura and Trehuaco, restoring connectivity on a vital coastal corridor, while eight other routes in the Ñuble region remain cut off.

Subsecretary of Public Works Nicolás Balmaceda visited emergency works in Ovalle and Punitaqui, noting that more than 300 families are receiving water by truck due to damaged rural water systems. Ongoing engineering studies aim to improve slope stability on Cuesta Chinchorro and to complete the long‑delayed paving project between Pidima and Los Sauces.