Death toll from severe storm in northern Chile rises to 13
At least 13 people have died and over 60,000 remain cut off as flooding from a powerful storm continues to impact northern Chile.
Key Takeaways
AIThe death toll from the severe storm battering northern Chile has risen to at least 13, the government announced on Tuesday, with more than 60,000 people still isolated due to road closures.
Alicia Ceperian, director of Chile's National Emergency Office, said that seven people remain missing so far.
Widespread impact of the storm
The storm, which began on July 15, has struck the Coquimbo and Atacama regions in the north of the country—areas that rarely experience such heavy rainfall.
Officials reported that flooding from the storm has destroyed or damaged around 2,800 homes and displaced nearly 2,200 people. More than 60,000 residents remain cut off after swollen rivers blocked access to several villages.
Meanwhile, emergency teams continue efforts to support affected communities, as authorities warn that adverse weather conditions may persist in some areas.