The north of Chile is facing an unprecedented climate emergency, with the declaration of a state of catastrophe by President José Antonio Kast in response to a devastating storm. At least five people have lost their lives, four are missing, and more than 2,200 people are affected, especially in the Coquimbo Region and the Huasco Province in Atacama.
Extreme storm in northern Chile
The state of catastrophe measure, an exceptional instrument in the Chilean Constitution, enables the government to deploy the Armed Forces and quickly coordinate resources to address the situation. This step became necessary given the worsening weather conditions in the affected regions.
The storm, which began on July 15, has battered desert areas of northern Chile with intense rains, floods, and landslides, leaving many communities isolated. Local infrastructure has suffered significant damage, including the disruption of basic services such as electricity and drinking water.
In Coquimbo, 460 kilometers north of Santiago, power outages were reported affecting 150,000 people. The rains, which in one day reached typical monthly levels, caused river overflows and road blockages, complicating access to the hardest-hit areas.
Deputy Interior Minister Máximo Pavez highlighted the rarity and severity of this weather event, noting that Chile had not seen a similar phenomenon in two decades. Local authorities and basic service companies are working intensively to restore normalcy.
Strong wind gusts and swells, exceeding 100 km/h, led to the closure of several ports as a precautionary measure. Andrés Nazer, regional manager of Aguas del Valle, confirmed the infrastructure damage and the evacuation of personnel.
With the country facing this challenge, solidarity and coordinated action are crucial to mitigating the impacts of the storm and protecting affected communities.
