Attachments
Date of event
2023-06-23
What happened, where and when?
Since June 21st, central and southern Chile experienced the most intense rainfall recorded in the last 30 years. On June 23rd, the impact intensified as communities faced floods caused by rising rivers, resulting in over 21,673 affected individuals, 6,575 isolated, and 1,651 displaced persons, mainly in rural areas. Subsequently, on June 24th, the government declared a state of catastrophe from the Valparaíso Region to the Biobío Region, approximately 450 kilometers south of Santiago.
A frontal system affected several regions, including Valparaíso, Metropolitan Santiago, Libertador O'Higgins, Maule, Ñuble, and Biobío. This system brought moderate to intense rainfall and strong winds, exacerbated by a high freezing level, leading to rain over snowy mountainous areas. These conditions caused floods, river overflows, and landslides, especially in informal settlements, where houses were partially damaged or destroyed, personal belongings were lost, and basic services were disrupted. As reported by the National Service for Disaster Prevention and Attention (SENAPRED, by its initials in Spanish), the regions of Metropolitan Region, Libertador O'Higgins, and Maule suffered the most severe consequences (out of six regions). SENAPRED issued a total of 92 Cell Emergency Alerts (SAE, by its initials in Spanish) for assessment during this event.
Scope and Scale
As of June 30th, central-southern Chile experienced the aftermath of a devastating frontal system, resulting in tragic outcomes: 2 fatalities, 2 missing persons, 21,673 affected individuals, and 6,575 isolated. The latest infrastructure damage assessment conducted by SENAPRED unveiled the extent of the devastation: 1,623 houses were destroyed, 3,059 were significantly damaged, and 4,069 were minor damaged. At the close of this report, there are no active temporary shelters.
The prevailing weather conditions deeply impacted a wide stretch of the nation, particularly through heavy rainfall leading to widespread flooding. The overflow of these watercourses caused significant damage to infrastructure, homes, and agricultural lands, with disruptions in basic services such as potable water and electricity supply. In the Metropolitan area, intense rainfall triggered landslides in the foothills, isolating sectors of San Alfonso, El Ingenio, and Baños Morales in San José del Maipo. Additionally, the historic flooding of the Mapocho River caused significant damage, affecting over 1,020 people in 12 communes and damaging more than 394 homes.
In Libertador O'Higgins, considerable impact was observed due to the swelling of the Tinguiririca and Cachapoal Rivers, affecting the communities and agricultural areas of Rengo, San Fernando, Doñihue, and Coltauco. The Rapel hydroelectric complex opened its floodgates to control the rising water level, leading to additional flooding in neighboring areas.
Similarly, in the Maule region, communities along the overflowing main rivers, such as Linares and Curepto, suffered severe consequences, resulting in numerous casualties and missing persons. The coastal commune of Licantén in the Curicó province was completely flooded, leading to the evacuation of essential facilities like the Licantén Hospital and the SAMU Base. In Ñuble and Biobío, thousands were affected, with damage to houses and ongoing evaluations of affected properties.
At the close of the report, there have been significant advances in the situation in the areas affected by the frontal system in central and southern Chile. The areas that were previously inaccessible due to heavy rainfall and river flooding are now passable, and the water level has decreased completely. The affected families have received the necessary assistance and have begun their recovery process.
At the close of this report, the areas affected by the intense precipitation are now passable, and the water level has decreased completely. The affected families have received the necessary assistance and have begun their recovery process. Thanks to the actions carried out by the Chilean Red Cross and the government, the situation in the affected communities has significantly improved. However, there is still ongoing work to ensure a complete and sustainable recovery in these areas. The situation will continue to be closely monitored, and additional support will be provided as needed to ensure that all affected families can rebuild their lives and communities.