Chile’s Coquimbo region has entered a state of catastrophe after heavy rains triggered flash floods and devastating mudslides. The meteorological authorities recorded historic rainfall, with over 200 mm falling at Cerro Tololo, a level not seen in decades.
At least five people have been confirmed dead, and thousands more are now isolated. Senapred’s emergency services estimate that more than 99,000 residents have been displaced, with several missing persons nationwide.
President José Antonio Kast announced the activation of the country’s constitutional state of catastrophe, a move that lifts emergency authorities, mobilises military aid and authorises immediate relief funding for the hardest-hit districts.
Affected towns have seen streets turned into rivers, homes submerged, and agricultural lands buried under mud. Rescue crews have been working around the clock in Huasco and neighbouring provinces to evacuate residents and secure critical infrastructure.
Local footage shows streams raging through once‑quiet streets: a stark testament to the power of extreme weather events. Community volunteers and national disaster teams have joined forces to restore power, supply essentials, and clear debris.
As the rains taper, officials remain on high alert for potential further spillovers or secondary hazards such as lahars or landslides driven by saturated ground.
