At least three killed and hundreds displaced by heavy rain in Chile

Severe weather has struck central and southern Chile, bringing torrential rainfall and powerful winds that have claimed at least three lives and forced hundreds from their homes. President Jose Antonio Kast announced he would travel to the Biobio region, one of the hardest-hit areas, to assess the damage and review the government's response. In a social media update, Kast noted that road conditions remained passable despite heavy precipitation and urged residents to take precautions.

According to SENAPRED, Chile's national disaster relief agency, 466 people are currently sheltering in emergency facilities, with some evacuated as a precautionary measure. An additional 158 residents have become isolated due to rising water levels, predominantly in the Coquimbo region. The agency's head, Alicia Cebrian, confirmed that seven people sustained injuries. SENAPRED also issued evacuation orders for the Campamiento Ribiera del Rio area near Talagante due to swelling river levels.

The storms have disrupted normal activities nationwide. Educational institutions in affected areas suspended classes, and approximately 257,000 residents lost electrical power, primarily in the southern part of the country. State-owned mining company Codelco halted surface mining operations at its Andina facility due to the severe weather conditions.

The three fatalities included a road maintenance worker in Negrete, a person who fell while cleaning a roof in Temuco, and an individual who died from electrocution in Santiago. Kast, who took office in March following his 2025 election victory on a law-and-order platform, pledged institutional assistance for those affected by the flooding.