Thirteen dead, seven missing in Chile following heavy rains, flooding, authorities say

Chile is grappling with the aftermath of severe storms that have swept across the country, causing widespread flooding, road closures, and significant damage. Authorities confirmed on Tuesday that 13 people have died and seven remain missing following the intense rainfall, which has affected regions from the center to the south.

The storms have left a trail of destruction, displacing 2,281 people and destroying 81 homes, while another 2,761 homes suffered major damage. A substantial number of people, 87,000, are still without electricity due to sustained power outages. Alicia Cebrian, head of Chile's Senapred emergency office, warned that waterways, streams, and riverbanks have been weakened, posing a continued risk of rising water levels in some areas.

In response to the prolonged power outages, the Chilean government announced its intention to pursue sanctions against electricity distribution companies. Minister of the Interior Claudio Alvarado stated that disciplinary proceedings would be initiated for delays in restoring service. Meanwhile, schools in several municipalities across four regions suspended lessons, and some mining operations have had to scale back activities due to the adverse weather conditions.

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Waterways, streams, and riverbanks have been weakened by the rainfall over the past few days; there is still a risk of rising water levels in some of them.