# Chile weather emergencies: relief and infrastructure > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/santiago-utility-service-interruptions > Updated: 2026-09-04T04:26:18.000Z. Sources: 530. Developments: 32. By late August, water security and infrastructure recovery remained central to the response in Chile. In the Coquimbo Region, the Ministry of Public Works and the Directorate of Hydraulic Works worked to restore the hydraulic capacity of the Elqui River by clearing sediment and reconstructing embankments in sectors like El Hinojal and Pelicana. Severe weather continued to cause widespread disruption. In Yungay, a tornado destroyed five homes and affected 66 people, necessitating a continuous police presence and emergency aid from SENAPRED. In the Maule Region, an ‘Exceptional Blue Code’ was activated for Talca and Curicó to provide food and hygiene kits to the homeless during intense rain and low temperatures. To address broader damage, the Chilean government also activated the National Reconstruction Fund for the northern regions of Arica y Parinacota, Tarapacá, and Antofagasta. In the Atacama Region, the commune of Vallenar suffered significant impact, with 3,717 homes affected. The government has distributed approximately $8,676 million in recovery bonuses to 9,911 households in the region to date. Meanwhile, in the Coquimbo Region, the rural sector of Cruz de Cañas faced isolation following July storms. Due to inaccessible roads, the Court of Appeals of La Serena organized a solidarity campaign using 4x4 vehicles to deliver 260 large water containers to 28 families lacking potable water. ## Claims - The storm affected 59 people, with 48 placed in emergency shelters and 611 isolated, and about 50 000 without power. (disputed by 4 sources) - The storm caused 276 houses with major damage and 929 with minor damage. (disputed by 4 sources) - The storm left 810 people displaced and 22 people isolated. (disputed by 4 sources) - Direct damages from the storm in Coquimbo are estimated between US$400 million and US$500 million. (disputed by 2 sources) - The storm caused at least 13 deaths and destroyed more than 1,500 homes in the Coquimbo region. (disputed by 2 sources) - More than 180 000 people were without electricity due to the storm. (disputed by 2 sources) - Reconstruction cost for Chile's Coquimbo region could reach up to US$700 million. (disputed) - Approximately 4,000 electricity customers were left without power across nine Chilean regions, with 1,286 in Coquimbo. (disputed) - Authorities ordered preventive evacuations in multiple communes, including Traiguén, Los Sauces, Renaico and others. (corroborated by 7 sources) - A new frontal system arrived on 1 August 2026 affecting the Maule, Ñuble and Biobío regions. (corroborated by 7 sources) - SENAPRED issued red alerts for Concepción and municipalities in Biobío, La Araucanía, Los Ríos, Ñuble and Coquimbo. (corroborated by 7 sources) - Two people died in Los Ríos when a tree fell on their vehicle. (corroborated by 6 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-04: Weather emergencies impact Atacama and Coquimbo regions in Chile Severe weather in Chile has left thousands of homes damaged in Atacama, while rural communities in Coquimbo struggle with water shortages and isolation following heavy storms. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vallenar-most-affected-commune-in-atacama-by-weather-systems ### 2026-08-31: Severe weather impacts Chile and Argentina with storms and cold fronts Severe weather, including tornadoes in Chile and approaching cold fronts in Argentina, is causing property damage and triggering emergency responses and temperature drops across both nations. 27 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chile-weather-emergencies-tornado-in-yungay-and-blue-code-in-maule ### 2026-08-29: Elqui River emergency works underway to restore hydraulic capacity Chilean authorities are performing emergency works on the Elqui River to restore hydraulic capacity and prevent future flooding following recent heavy rains in the Coquimbo Region. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/elqui-river-emergency-works-underway-to-restore-hydraulic-capacity ### 2026-08-22: Chile implements emergency water measures amid contamination and flood relief Emergency water supplies are being deployed in Rucapequén due to well contamination, while the US Embassy provides flood relief kits to families in Chile's Coquimbo Region. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chile-implements-emergency-water-measures-amid-contamination-and-flood-relief ### 2026-08-20: Chile declares catastrophe in northern regions after severe weather Chilean President José Antonio Kast has declared a state of catastrophe in northern regions following devastating weather. Meanwhile, Biobío leaders focus on economic recovery and infrastructure. 16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/president-kast-manages-rain-emergency-and-faces-wetland-controversy ### 2026-08-20: Northern Chile hit by severe storms causing fatalities and widespread damage Atypical storms in northern Chile have caused mudslides, one death, and significant damage to over 1,000 homes. A state of catastrophe is in effect for Tocopilla, with emergency funds and naval aid deployed. 22 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chile-declares-state-of-catastrophe-after-flooding-in-tocopilla ### 2026-08-07: Biobío Red Alert for flooding canceled by Senapred Chile's Senapred has canceled the Regional Red Alert for flooding in Biobío due to decreasing river levels and projected rainfall declines. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/biobo-red-alert-for-flooding-canceled-by-senapred ### 2026-08-04: Heavy rains trigger evacuations and infrastructure damage in Chile and Argentina Heavy rains in Chile and Argentina caused evacuations, sinkholes, flood damage and prompted emergency responses, including a Senate law for El Niño preparedness. 29 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mayor-enrique-galindo-ceballos-cites-bridge-and-avenue-structural-failures-after-heavy-rains ### 2026-08-02: Chile issues red flood alerts for rivers in Maule and Ñuble regions Chile’s SENAPRED and DGA placed red flood alerts on the Perquilauquén River in Maule and the Lonquén River in Ñuble on 2 August, with additional yellow warnings for nearby rivers. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chile-issues-red-flood-alerts-for-rivers-in-maule-and-uble-regions ### 2026-07-25: Chile issues flood alerts across regions amid rising river levels Chile's Senapred issued red and yellow flood alerts for rivers including Palos, Perquilauquén, Chillán and Cachapoal, prompting preventive evacuations as water levels rise. 25 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chile-issues-red-flood-alerts-for-molina-curic-as-rivers-swell-in-ohiggins-and-maule-regions ### 2026-07-24: Chile's northern regions face $700 million reconstruction as schools close and power outages persist after frontal storm Chile's Atacama and Coquimbo regions face up to $700 million in reconstruction after a frontal storm caused $400‑500 million in damages, school closures, power outages, and at least 13 deaths. 40 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chile-and-argentina-battered-by-extreme-storms-13-dead-and-thousands-of-homes-destroyed ### 2026-07-21: Chile floods kill 13, thousands isolated as state of catastrophe declared Chile floods have killed 13, left seven missing and isolated over 100,000 people; a state of catastrophe was declared for Coquimbo and Huasco with army aid and widespread relief efforts. 84 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/restaurant-blaze-destroys-establishment-and-damages-homes-in-chilln-viejo-chile ### 2026-07-21: Chile suspends school classes across dozens of communes as frontal system triggers red alerts and infrastructure damage Chile suspends school classes in dozens of communes amid heavy rains, declares red alerts for river flooding, reports damage to 400 schools and launches repair and transport measures. 15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chile-suspends-school-classes-in-multiple-regions-amid-heavy-rains-and-flood-risk ### 2026-07-20: Chile university students clear flood‑water from low‑income neighborhoods University of Chile students cleared flood‑filled streets in vulnerable Chilean neighborhoods, restoring access and highlighting school‑community resilience after severe storms. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chile-university-students-clear-floodwater-from-lowincome-neighborhoods ### 2026-07-19: Chile declares catastrophe as extreme storm kills at least 10 people An El Niño‑related storm killed at least 10, isolated 100 000+ people and prompted Chile to declare a state of catastrophe, deploy military aid, and grant cash relief and infrastructure support. 139 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chile-orders-evacuation-in-coquimbo-and-cancels-flood-alerts-in-uble ### 2026-07-18: Historic Chile Storm Kills at Least Three, Leaves Hundreds of Thousands Without Power A historic storm in Chile caused at least three deaths, widespread power outages for over 400,000 homes, and mass evacuations across ten regions. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/historic-chile-storm-kills-at-least-three-leaves-hundreds-of-thousands-without-power ### 2026-07-17: Chile issues safety guide for water storage during storm‑related floods Severe rains in southern Chile caused floods, power cuts and water shortages; authorities urge safe water storage, protective gear, thorough cleaning and chlorination to prevent disease. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chile-issues-safety-guide-for-water-storage-during-stormrelated-floods ### 2026-07-17: Coquimbo region in Chile mobilizes officials, military and rescues amid severe frontal rain system Chile’s Coquimbo region activates emergency response to a severe frontal rain system, deploying over 200 officials, military units, helicopters for rescues, suspending schools and sending a modular hospital. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chile-military-and-navy-deploy-to-aid-floodhit-communities ### 2026-07-15: Chile's historic July storm kills three, cuts power to 530,000 homes Chile’s historic July storm caused three deaths, widespread flooding, and power outages for over 530,000 homes; Brazil will not be affected by the same atmospheric river. 190 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chile-declares-state-of-emergency-until-march-21-over-severe-storms ### 2026-07-14: Chile's Valparaíso tailings dam El Torito faces rain‑risk alert, senators demand safety info Chile's Valparaíso senators demand urgent safety data and preventive actions for the El Torito tailings dam as heavy rains threaten Nogales community. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chiles-valparaso-tailings-dam-el-torito-faces-rainrisk-alert-senators-demand-safety-info ### 2026-07-13: Chile declares emergency as intense frontal system brings heavy rain, floods and power risks Chile declared a state of emergency in up to 16 regions until 21 July as a powerful frontal system brings heavy rain, snow, winds and flood risks, prompting school closures, transport suspensions and extensive防 83 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chiles-elqui-river-rises-to-highest-level-since-2017-as-frontal-storm-threatens-region ### 2026-07-12: Chile and Mexico leaders push for solutions to recurring power outages Chile’s deputy and Mexico’s governor meet electricity providers to address frequent power cuts affecting local communities. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chile-and-mexico-leaders-push-for-solutions-to-recurring-power-outages ### 2026-07-10: Maule Region, Chile issues red flood alerts for Linares, Longaví and Molina Chile’s Senapred declared red flood alerts in the Maule Region for Linares, Longaví and Molina as the Achibueno and Palos rivers hit critical levels. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/maule-region-chile-issues-red-flood-alerts-for-linares-longav-and-molina ### 2026-07-07: Chile issues yellow flood alert for Lanco and Mariquina as river levels rise SENAPRED placed Lanco and Mariquina under a Yellow Flood Alert as the Leufucade River rose, while a UN report labels Chile's prolonged drought a “water bankruptcy,” urging integrated water management. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chile-issues-yellow-flood-alert-for-lanco-and-mariquina-as-river-levels-rise ### 2026-06-29: Chile and Argentina utilities schedule power cuts and preventive actions amid wind and maintenance work Utilities in Chile and Argentina are implementing preventive power cuts and maintenance; CGE readies crews for wind‑related outages in Araucanía, Enel schedules July 1 outages in Santiago’s communes, while Arg‑ 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mar-del-plata-power-outage-scheduled-and-infrastructure-project-dispute ### 2026-06-28: Water supply cuts hit Santiago and Heredia residents Emergency water cuts were scheduled for Santiago, Chile on 28 June, while Costa Rica's ESPH will suspend service in Heredia on 30 June and 1 July for maintenance, affecting thousands of residents. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/water-supply-cuts-hit-santiago-and-heredia-residents ### 2026-06-23: Chile's SEC and power distributors meet locals over electricity supply Chile's energy regulator SEC and distributors CGE and Frontel met residents in Valle de Lluta and Traiguén to address power outages, present an AI network‑inspection pilot and commit to improve electricityReli­ 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chiles-sec-and-power-distributors-meet-locals-over-electricity-supply ### 2026-06-23: Aguas Araucanía protects water meters in Chilean nurseries as winter hits Aguas Araucanía installs winter protectors on water meters in Chilean nurseries, while ISL launches campaigns to prevent cold‑related workplace accidents. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aguas-araucana-protects-water-meters-in-chilean-nurseries-as-winter-hits ### 2026-06-19: Chile schedules power outages in Los Ángeles and Santiago Chile's CGE will cut power to about 240 customers in Los Ángeles on June 19, while Enel plans maintenance‑related outages in five Santiago communes on June 20, lasting up to six hours. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chile-schedules-power-outages-in-los-ngeles-and-santiago ### 2026-06-17: Chile faces water bankruptcy as rivers run low Chile warns of a structural water shortage, labeling it 'water bankruptcy' as rivers like the Maipo face persistent scarcity, prompting calls for sustainable management. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chile-faces-water-bankruptcy-as-rivers-run-low ### 2026-06-16: Chile's water agencies launch $350M winter sanitation plan and cancel faulty water‑truck contract Chile's Aguas del Valle unveiled a $350 M winter sanitation plan for Limarí, while Marga Marga officials canceled a water‑truck contract over unauthorized sourcing and low chlorine levels. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chiles-water-agencies-launch-350m-winter-sanitation-plan-and-cancel-faulty-watertruck-contract ### 2026-06-12: Chile's Los Ríos and Araucanía prepare water stations for winter floods MOP inspected 21 Los Ríos river‑monitoring stations ahead of the 2026 winter, while Aguas Araucanía released a tutorial to stop water‑meter freeze after a 2025 outage. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chiles-los-ros-and-araucana-prepare-water-stations-for-winter-floods --- Cite as: Chile weather emergencies: relief and infrastructure. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/santiago-utility-service-interruptions