Chile hit by new storm, evacuations ordered in several areas

Authorities in Chile have ordered evacuations in central-north and southern areas due to a new storm system causing river overflows and rising water levels. The National Emergency Management Agency (Senapred) issued these measures for the Concepción commune, which is on red alert, and other municipalities in Bio Bío, La Araucanía, Los Ríos, Ñuble, and Coquimbo.

This new weather front has already affected 59 people, with 48 in shelters and 611 isolated. The storm continues to cause landslides, road closures, and power outages in some sectors. The Directorate of General Water Resources (DGA) is closely monitoring rivers that have reached red alert levels and could threaten homes and infrastructure.

Concepción's mayor, Héctor Muñoz, expressed concern to local media, stating, "We already have some houses that are prone to flooding. Not to be alarmist, but this will continue to increase the flow, and most likely, with the rains coming in the early morning and tomorrow, we will have some greater complications in that sector."

In La Araucanía, approximately 50 families were evacuated from Traiguén due to overflowing wetlands and the Traiguén River. The Coquimbo region has experienced rainfall exceeding forecasts, activating ravines. Nearly 50,000 people across several regions, including Santiago, have lost electricity.