Punta Arenas maintains Red Alert following river overflows

Authorities in Punta Arenas, Chile, have maintained a communal Red Alert following intense rainfall and river overflows. Although water levels in major rivers have significantly decreased, the regional Committee for Disaster Risk Management (Cogrid) decided to sustain the preventive measure due to ongoing risks of flooding in specific areas.

The Ministry of Public Works (MOP) has deployed teams to monitor critical hydraulic infrastructure, including the Llau Llau and D’Agostini estuaries, the Las Minas River, and the Tres Puentes wetland. Officials have inspected sediment control barriers and other interventions to ensure they are functioning correctly during the weather event.

Key affected areas include the San Juan River, where work is being conducted on Route 9 South bridges, and the Ojo Bueno sector, which was impacted by the overflow of the Chabunco estuary. As a precaution, Conaf has closed the Magallanes National Reserve to visitors. Emergency coordination involves municipal personnel, Carabineros, and the military.