Chile declares preventive emergency as frontal storm forces school closures and cancels presidential visit

The Chilean government activated a preventive emergency in ten regions from Atacama to Los Lagos after a high‑intensity frontal system was forecast to bring heavy rain, strong winds, snow and coastal surges between July 13‑21. Deputy Interior Minister Claudio Alvarado announced the decree, mobilising 368 risk‑management committees and urging families to secure roofs, clear drainage and prepare emergency kits.

Municipalities responded with specific measures: Hualpén suspended classes in all municipal schools and kindergartens on July 17, while increasing surveillance with over 1,200 cameras and distributing sandbags. President José Antonio Kast cancelled a three‑day tour of the north, including visits to Colchane and the La Tirana festival, to remain in Santiago and coordinate the response.

Meteorologists warned of rainfall up to 85 mm in some areas, wind gusts of 60‑100 km/h, and snow accumulations of three to four metres in the Andes, raising the risk of river flooding, landslides and snow‑related avalanches. Health authorities inspected potential shelters in the Ñuble region to ensure sanitation and safety. The National Emergency Office (SENAPRED) also issued early‑warning alerts for Antofagasta and the Metropolitan region, emphasizing caution around power lines, trees and signage.