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Chile has declared a state of emergency after torrential rainfall killed at least 10 people, left four others missing and caused widespread destruction across the country’s northern regions.
The government announced the emergency measures on Monday as severe weather continued to batter the usually arid regions of Coquimbo and Atacama, where such heavy rainfall is considered highly unusual.
According to Chile’s National Disaster Prevention and Response Service (SENAPRED) Director Alicia Cebrian, at least 10 people have died, 17 others have been injured, and four remain missing.
Official figures also showed that more than 1,100 homes have been destroyed or severely damaged by the flooding and landslides triggered by the rains.
President Jose Antonio Kast said the deteriorating situation had prompted the declaration of a state of emergency, allowing authorities to deploy the military, restrict movement where necessary and accelerate the delivery of humanitarian assistance.
Flooded rivers have cut off roads and isolated several communities, while mudslides and power outages have disrupted access to drinking water in parts of Coquimbo.
Deputy Interior Minister Maximo Pavez on Sunday said the region experienced exceptionally intense rainfall, noting that some areas received in one hour the amount of rain normally recorded over an entire month.
Arnaldo Zuniga of the national meteorological service described the weather as the heaviest rainfall the country has experienced in about two decades.
“We haven’t had a situation like this in quite a few years,” he said.
