Chile warns of heightened flood risk as El Niño intensifies

University of Talca agro‑climatologist Patricio González warns that the developing El Niño could evolve from a strong to a very strong or extraordinary event by late spring‑summer 2026‑27, raising the likelihood of intense, short‑duration rains and flooding across central Chile. He cites earlier strong events in 2015 and 2023 that caused severe inundations in the Maule and Ñuble regions and stresses that authorities should not lower their guard.

Specialists also flag Chile’s steep topography, rapid runoff and urban expansion onto historic floodplains as key vulnerability factors. Roberto Pizarro Tapia of the university notes that towns such as San José de Maipo, Curanilahue and Licantén have suffered repeated floods, and that concentrated rainfall can quickly exceed drainage capacity, especially where vegetation cover is reduced. The experts call for stronger monitoring, hydraulic works and preventive planning to protect both urban and rural communities.