Chile death toll rises to 13 after severe storms

The death toll from severe weather in Chile has risen to 13, with seven people still missing, as heavy rains and storm-force winds continue to batter parts of the country, authorities said.

Alicia Cebrián, director of Chile’s National Disaster Prevention and Response Service, said the impact has been widespread, particularly in the northern regions of Atacama and Coquimbo.

According to official figures, 1,412 people have been evacuated to temporary shelters, while 63,005 residents remain isolated due to damaged infrastructure and flooding.

More than 22,000 homes have sustained damage, including 81 residential buildings that have been completely destroyed. The storms have also disrupted essential services, leaving around 87,000 customers without electricity and more than 180,000 without access to water.

Authorities had earlier declared a state of emergency in the Coquimbo region and in Huasco province as conditions worsened.

Weather forecasts indicate that the intensity of rainfall is expected to ease in the coming days, offering some relief to affected areas.

Earlier reports on Tuesday, July 21, had put the death toll at at least 10, with four people missing, indicating a sharp deterioration in the situation as rescue and assessment efforts continue.

By Tamilla Hasanova