Bangkok: Heavy rains have claimed the lives of 13 people in Chile, impacting regions from central to southern parts of the country with severe flooding, road blockages, and extensive damage to homes. At least seven individuals remain missing as authorities continue rescue operations and damage assessments.
According to Thai News Agency, the intense rainfall has triggered flash floods, particularly from the Santa Gracia Creek, which have unleashed torrents of mud and debris upon the village of El Islon in the Coquimbo region. This natural disaster has led to significant destruction of homes, crops, and vehicles, prompting the urgent evacuation of over 100 residents who are now taking refuge in temporary shelters established in a local school.
Alicia Cebrian, director of Chile's National Emergency Office, reported that several rivers are dangerously close to breaching their banks. The catastrophe has not only resulted in fatalities and missing persons but has also displaced over 2,200 individuals. Additionally, 81 houses have been completely demolished, while more than 2,700 have suffered severe damage. The disaster has left more than 80,000 people without electricity, and over 100,000 residents are isolated due to impassable roads.
In response, Chilean Interior Minister Claudio Alvarado announced that the government is considering punitive measures against the electricity company for the delay in power restoration. A state of emergency has been declared in the Coquimbo and Atacama districts of Avasco to accelerate rescue and recovery efforts. Schools have been closed in several municipalities across four administrative regions. Although most of the nation's mines, primarily situated in the north, remain unaffected, some copper and lithium mines have had to scale back production amid the adverse weather conditions.