Chilean communes face gaps in disaster risk reduction planning

A study by Corporación Ciudades, utilizing Senapred data, reveals that 127 communes in Chile—representing 37% of the country—lack a Communal Disaster Risk Reduction Plan (PCRRD). These strategic instruments are designed to strengthen prevention and preparation by addressing local vulnerabilities, such as infrastructure weaknesses and early warning systems.

Regional disparities are significant. In the O’Higgins Region, 14 of 33 communes lack a plan, while in the Valparaíso Region, 20 of 38 communes are without one. Conversely, regions like Magallanes, La Araucanía, and Maule show higher compliance, with over 80% of their communes possessing a PCRRD. In northern regions, 77% of communes still lack a municipal decree for such plans.

Martín Andrade, executive director of Corporación Ciudades, noted that risk management is inherently territorial, requiring specific actions tailored to local threats. The study emphasizes the need to bridge these regional gaps and integrate risk reduction into daily municipal planning.