Chilean Interior Undersecretary defends government response to weather emergencies

Interior Undersecretary Máximo Pavez has dismissed accusations of unequal treatment regarding the government's response to recent climate emergencies in Chile. Responding to criticisms from Deputy Constanza Schonhaut, who labeled government risk communication as “confusing and erratic” during a recent frontal system, Pavez maintained that the administration has applied a unified response criterion across all meteorological events this year.

Pavez highlighted that state response mechanisms were activated in various locations, including Corral, Coquimbo, La Serena, Tocopilla, Tierra Amarilla, Angol, and Talagante. He noted that while response times may vary due to geography and connectivity—such as landslides blocking access to Tocopilla—the government acted swiftly, including declaring a state of exception in Tocopilla on the day of the event.

Regarding the current weather situation in the central zone, Pavez stated that Senapred and other technical agencies are maintaining constant monitoring. While the risk of mass removal in the Metropolitan Region remains a concern due to saturated soils, the official emphasized that communications are based on technical declarations from the National Disaster Prevention and Response Service.