Chile declares disaster after flash floods wash away vehicles and trap people
Raging floodwaters cause major damage to buildings and vehicles and lead to a disaster declaration in a regional Chilean commune at the foot of the Andes mountain range.
Flash flooding has inundated parts of central Chile, particularly the Las Condes commune at the foot of the Andes mountain range. The disaster prompted the Chilean Army to deploy specialist vehicles, infantry soldiers, and emergency response teams to assist in clean-up and rescue efforts. At least six people were injured, with residents and staff evacuated from aged care facilities and a university health clinic.
A "zone of catastrophe" has been declared for Las Condes to allocate resources to address the emergency. The Chilean Meteorological Department issued a thunderstorm alert warning for several regions, suspending all school classes and advising against personal travel in nine impacted areas.
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