The death toll from the severe storms in Chile has risen to 13, with seven individuals still missing, according to government officials. Over 60,000 people are cut off due to washed-out roads, and the focus of recovery efforts is on restoring basic services.
The storm, which began on July 15 in the southern part of the country, has hit the typically arid regions of Coquimbo and Atacama with extreme rainfall, an unusual occurrence in these areas.
"We have 13 dead and seven missing," said Alicia Cebrian, director of Chile's SENAPRED national emergency service. Around 2,800 homes have been destroyed, and swollen rivers and roads blocked by water and mud have left several towns isolated.
"I'm 57 years old and I had never seen an emergency like this," shared Patricia Albornoz, a community leader in Coquimbo. "The most shocking thing was seeing how the rivers and ravines overflowed."
Interior Minister Claudio Alvarado noted that while the rains are expected to ease, risks remain due to swollen riverbeds and ravines. President Jose Antonio Kast declared a state of emergency in the affected areas on Monday.
