Chile Declares State of Catastrophe in Coquimbo Region After Floods

Chilean officials declared a state of catastrophe in the Coquimbo region and Huasco province after heavy rains caused floods and mudslides. The declaration followed an assessment of damage across the affected areas. At least five people died in the flooding, according to local mayors.

Chile's disaster response service Senapred reported that thousands of people have been affected, with more than 99,000 isolated and several others missing nationwide. Areas of Coquimbo recorded historic rainfall totals, including more than 200 mm at Cerro Tololo, Chile's meteorological authorities said.

The extreme precipitation produced widespread flooding and mudslides that cut off communities and prompted evacuations.

President José Antonio Kast stated that the government activated the constitutional state of catastrophe after evaluating the emergency. The measure enables additional resources and coordination for rescue and relief operations. The Bbc reported that footage showed flooded towns and ongoing evacuations in the hardest-hit areas.