Chilean authorities have declared a state of catastrophe in the Coquimbo and Huasco regions following intense rainfall that has led to severe flooding and mudslides. The extreme weather has impacted tens of thousands of people across the country, with over 99,000 residents left isolated.
Local mayors have reported at least five fatalities due to the downpour. Chile's national disaster response service, Senapred, confirmed that several individuals are currently missing nationwide. The Coquimbo region, particularly areas around Cerro Tololo, recorded historic rainfall totals, exceeding 200mm according to meteorological data. President José Antonio Kast announced the decision to implement the constitutional state of catastrophe after assessing the emergency situation. Evacuations are underway in affected towns as the government mobilizes to respond to the widespread devastation.