Santa Juana Reservoir reaches capacity, increasing Huasco River flows

The Santa Juana Reservoir has reached its maximum storage capacity, prompting the release of water through its spillway. This action, combined with mountain snowmelt, has increased the flow of the Huasco River, placing Vallenar and Alto del Carmen on alert.

A recent overflow in the Perales Viejos sector of Vallenar affected five homes and the main road, leaving approximately 12 people isolated. While SENAPRED reported that the situation in Perales Viejos has since been controlled, authorities continue to monitor downstream inhabited areas due to the risk of further flooding.

The General Directorate of Water (DGA) projects significant hydrological changes, estimating that the Huasco River could see volumes more than double the historical average between September 2026 and March 2027.