Chile's Paihuano Municipality Sets National Example in Flood Mitigation

The municipal government of Paihuano in Chile carried out extensive pre‑emptive actions before the arrival of a historic frontal system that caused severe floods across the Coquimbo Region. Teams cleared riverbeds and ravines, removed debris, and reinforced slopes to ensure free water flow. The municipality also coordinated with the utility company CGE to prune high trees that threatened power lines and to keep electricity and drinking‑water services uninterrupted.

These measures limited damage in Paihuano while many neighboring communes suffered prolonged power outages and water shortages. National media highlighted the proactive planning and early deployment of resources as a model for emergency management in the country.