Atacama delegate: Connectivity restored between La Serena and Copiapó

Connectivity between La Serena and Copiapó in Chile's Atacama region has been re-established after a severe frontal system impacted various routes, according to regional presidential delegate Sofía Cid.

"The most critical issue was connectivity," Cid confirmed to Cooperativa, noting that access to Alto del Carmen was quickly restored. The Maitencillo bridge, which briefly disrupted traffic between Vallenar and Freirina-Huasco, was repaired by Vialidad (Public Works) within a day, allowing traffic to resume.

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The most critical issue was connectivity. But connectivity to Alto del Carmen has already been achieved; also from Vallenar to Freirina-Huasco. At one point the Maitencillo bridge was cut, but we quickly recovered it, we didn't even have that road cut for a full day. Vialidad built a ford and then refilled the bridge section and it is operational.

Despite the general restoration, some residents remain isolated. In Totoral, Copiapó, authorities used machinery to re-establish access. A single family in Tierra Amarilla, though in contact and receiving provisions via helicopter, has chosen not to evacuate their home due to their familiarity with the harsh climate.

Cid urged caution on the Ruta 5 Norte, where transit remains slow. She also highlighted progress in applying the Ficha Básica de Emergencia (FIBE), a basic emergency form, to expedite the distribution of essential goods. The Lautaro reservoir's current capacity of 25% offers a positive outlook for the region's agricultural season in the Copiapó province.

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We are deploying teams that arrived from Santiago from the Ministry of Social Development, because it is also important that the faster this form is processed, the faster the household goods bonus is issued.