Chile declares catastrophe in northern regions after severe weather

Chile is responding to a severe weather emergency following a devastating frontal system. President José Antonio Kast has declared a state of catastrophe for the Arica y Parinacota, Tarapacá, and Antofagasta regions to expedite resource deployment and reconstruction. The disaster has resulted in one death, over 1,800 people displaced or sheltered, and significant damage to infrastructure, including roads and hospitals.

In response to the crisis, President Kast emphasized the need to prioritize scarce resources for the most affected areas, specifically noting the impact in the Coquimbo region. Local authorities, such as the Mayor of Alto Hospicio, have coordinated with Senapred to identify affected families through emergency surveys to guide state aid.

Parallel to the emergency response, the Biobío region is focusing on economic reactivation and infrastructure. At the Impulsa 2026 forum, regional leaders and business groups discussed the need to unblock public works and strengthen local SMEs. During this event, President Kast sparked controversy by questioning the utility of large-scale wetland protections, suggesting that environmental regulations may hinder necessary infrastructure projects like the Interportuary Route.

Additionally, FOSIS has launched a program in the Biobío region to support over 2,800 entrepreneurs with training and financial resources to bolster local economic autonomy.