Chile issues safety guide for water storage during storm‑related floods

Intense rain and wind have triggered floods, tree falls and electricity outages in southern Chile, leading to water shortages in supermarkets and interruptions to the potable‑water network. The storm‑driven contamination of drainage systems creates a mix of rainwater and sewage that can spread bacteria, viruses and parasites.

Health specialist Natalia Sánchez of the Universidad Andrés Bello advises that strict hygienic handling and proper water storage are essential to avoid gastrointestinal illness. She recommends using impermeable boots and rubber gloves when entering flooded zones, washing hands thoroughly with safe water and soap for at least 20 seconds, and disinfecting any surfaces that contacted flood water with a solution of one tablespoon of domestic bleach per litre of water.

Food that has touched contaminated water should be discarded or cleaned rigorously, and households are urged to store clean water in sealed containers. These measures aim to prevent further health crises amid the ongoing climatic emergency.