Claudio Orrego addresses disaster funding and urban planning in Santiago

Santiago Metropolitan Region Governor Claudio Orrego and Regional Presidential Delegate Germán Codina have addressed the need for improved disaster response following recent extreme weather events, including a tornado in Estación Central and heavy rains that triggered red alerts.

Orrego expressed concerns regarding potential budget reductions for the National Service for Disaster Prevention and Response (Senapred) in the 2027 budget. He emphasized the necessity of better urban planning and updated risk maps for the precordillera sectors to prevent construction in dangerous ravines. To improve early detection, the Regional Government (GORE) has indicated a willingness to fund meteorological radars.

Amid these discussions, local authorities in Las Condes, including Mayor Catalina San Martín, have criticized Orrego for his perceived absence during recent emergency management meetings. While the Governor has been active in the field, local officials noted a lack of presence during critical risk management committee sessions following recent landslides and flooding.