Chilean free market vendors request direct government aid after storm damage

Chile's National Federation of Free Fairs (ASOF) has documented 1,302 vendors in the Coquimbo Region impacted by recent severe weather systems. These vendors experienced significant damage to their homes and essential work vehicles, directly affecting their ability to conduct business.

According to ASOF's compiled data, 70.5% of affected vendors reported damage to their residences, while 28.4% sustained damage to their work vehicles. The majority of those impacted are concentrated in the Coquimbo and La Serena communes, though ASOF warns that the number of affected individuals may still rise as assessments continue.

In response to these widespread damages, ASOF is urging the government to consider direct financial transfers to support the vendors. "We need a comprehensive and rapid response. We cannot ask the vendors to return to work if they first have to figure out how to recover their own homes or the tools that allow them to work," stated ASOF president Yanett Rojas. The federation seeks immediate assistance to help vendors rebuild their livelihoods and resume their economic activities.

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We need a comprehensive and rapid response. We cannot ask the vendors to return to work if they first have to figure out how to recover their own homes or the tools that allow them to work.