Heavy rains linked to a weather front affecting central and southern Chile triggered flooding, river overflows and damage to homes in the Biobío, La Araucanía, Los Ríos and Los Lagos regions on Thursday, authorities said.
Chile's disaster agency Senapred reported that as of 11.30 am local time, 16 people were reported to be stranded and 74 homes had sustained minor damage. In terms of electricity supply, thousands remain without power.
In Carahue, in the Araucanía region, residents were ordered to evacuate several areas near the Centinela, Damas, and San Juan de Trovolhue rivers due to rising river levels.
Amid the weather emergency in the Biobío region, Senapred, in coordination with the regional presidential delegation, declared a red alert due to river overflows after detecting rising water levels at monitoring stations on the Curanilahue, Pichilo, Biobío, and Lia rivers.
In the Arauco province, rising water levels in the Pichilo River caused flooding in streets and homes.