At least five people have died in Chile's Coquimbo region and Huasco province after heavy rains triggered floods and mudslides. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing BBC News.
Local mayors reported at least five fatalities. Chile's disaster response service, Senapred, said the extreme weather has left thousands affected, with more than 99,000 people isolated and several people missing nationwide.
Areas of Coquimbo recorded historic rainfall, including more than 200mm at Cerro Tololo, according to Chile's meteorological authorities.
President Jose Antonio Kast said the government had decided to activate the constitutional state of catastrophe after evaluating the emergency. This measure allows for coordination of rescue and recovery efforts in the affected areas.
Chilean authorities continue evacuations and relief operations in the affected regions. Floods and mudslides have inundated several towns, damaging roads and infrastructure.