Roads, power restored in La Araucanía after extreme winds

Emergency services in Chile's La Araucanía region are working to clear roads and restore power after severe winds, identified as the "Puelche" wind, battered the area. The extreme weather left more than 60,000 electricity customers without power and caused numerous trees to fall, blocking key transportation routes and damaging homes.

Ian Gorayeb, regional director for Senapred Araucanía, reported that teams from the Ministry of Public Works (MOP) began clearing the Pucón-Villarrica international highway on Thursday. Although the route is now open, traffic is restricted due to ongoing clearing operations after more trees fell overnight. The wind's intensity caused significant damage to the roofs of at least ten houses.

Despite the widespread damage, no injuries have been reported in the hardest-hit areas of Curarrehue, Villarrica, and Pucón, which remain on red alert. Local emergency committees are on the ground assessing structural damage to homes and coordinating aid for affected residents. Meanwhile, electricity companies are working to restore power to the remaining households still without service.

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The wind gusts are still present, although with less intensity. Because of this, today teams from the MOP's Global company were able to enter to clear the highway, the Pucón-Villarrica international route. This route is currently open, but with restricted traffic, led by Carabineros, given that more trees fell during the night and clearing is continuing.