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Chile floods kill 13, thousands isolated as state of catastrophe declared
Heavy rains and a violent frontal system have battered central and northern Chile, leaving at least 13 people dead, seven missing and more than 2,200 displaced. Official counts show 81 homes destroyed, over 2,800 heavily damaged and roughly 22,000 with minor damage. Roughly 87,000 residents lack electricity and about 176,000 are without potable water, while more than 63,000 people remain isolated by flooded roads.
The government declared a state of catastrophe for the Coquimbo region and the Huasco province, enabling the deployment of the army, tractors and helicopters for rescue and relief. Over 150 tonnes of humanitarian aid have been flown in, and municipal teams in La Serena and other communes maintain 24‑hour emergency deployments, distributing blankets, food, water and shelter kits.
Authorities continue to monitor the risk of further river overflows and landslides, while health officials warn of rising mental‑health needs among the affected population. The disaster response involves national agencies, regional governments and local communities across the Coquimbo and Atacama regions.