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[POLITICS] · Chile · 98 sources

Chile declares catastrophe as floods claim lives and isolate thousands in Coquimbo

Intense rains from a historic frontal system have devastated Chile's Coquimbo and Atacama regions. The storm caused at least five deaths, several disappearances, and left roughly 100,000 people isolated by flooded roads and landslides. President José Antonio Kast declared a state of catastrophe for the Coquimbo Region and Huasco Province, enabling rapid deployment of military units, emergency resources, and a health alert for the affected areas.

Municipal authorities reported severe damage: thousands of homes were inundated, power outages affected over 150,000 households, and critical infrastructure such as water supply and roads was disrupted. Local mayors, including Ali Manouchehri of Coquimbo and Cristian Herrera Peña of Monte Patria, criticised the delayed government response and called for immediate aerial rescue, evacuation of isolated communities, and aid distribution. The Ministry of Housing and Urbanism, led by Ivan Poduje, toured the region to coordinate relief, while the Ministry of Public Works oversaw the reopening of blocked routes.

In response to the emergency, municipalities launched health and sanitation operations, including mobile vaccination clinics in Rancagua Sur and a pet‑care campaign in Arica. Authorities also ordered evacuations in vulnerable zones such as Vallenar’s Avenida Costanera. The combined efforts aim to protect residents, restore basic services, and support recovery as further rainfall is forecast.

Sources

about 12 hours ago
about 15 hours ago
Sistema frontal: Cifra de fallecidos se eleva a cinco y estiman daños preliminares por US$ 150 millones [elpinguino.com]
about 21 hours ago
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