Storm Surge Floods Chilean Town of Penco, Killing Three

A powerful storm surge flooded the Chilean coastal town of Penco on Thursday, leaving streets and homes under water and forcing emergency crews to evacuate residents. Authorities warned people to stay away from the shoreline as large waves continued to batter the coast. The surge struck Chile's central coast, killing at least three people, according to authorities.

In the Biobío region, seawater inundated homes in the Malaquías Concha and Barrio Chino neighbourhoods, prompting further evacuations. Euronews reported wind gusts reached 118 km/h at Carriel Sur weather station. Around 90 mm of rain fell in nearby Concepción, where part of a shopping centre's façade was ripped away by the strong winds.

Mayor Rodrigo Vera said residents feared the worst as the Pacific surged far beyond its usual limits. Footage showed flooded roads across the town centre, a police officer helping a woman leave her waterlogged home, residents bailing water from houses with buckets, and damaged boats scattered along the coast.

As floodwaters began to recede, families started clearing water and debris from their homes while emergency services assessed the damage.

Police continued to patrol exposed coastal areas as hazardous sea conditions persisted. Forecasters said the rain was expected to ease temporarily before strong winds and heavy rainfall returned by Saturday, with authorities continuing to monitor conditions along Chile's central coastline.