Chile – Severe Weather (ONEMI, Meteo Chile, COGIC, Redhum, Local Media) (ECHO Daily Flash of 27 February 2017)

Heavy rain has been affecting the northern and central areas of the country over the past 48 h, causing floods and landslides.

The National Office of Emergencies of Interior Ministry (ONEMI) reported, as of 27 February at 7.00 UTC, three deaths, at least 19 missing people, 853 people isolated and two houses destroyed in the regions of Antofagasta, Coquimbo, Valparaiso, Metropolitan and O'Higgins. Redhum reported, as of the same day, that over 1.4 million customers are without drinking water in Santiago capital.

Over the next 24 h, more heavy rain and thunderstorms may affect the northern areas as well as the mountainous sectors of central areas. As of 27 February at 7.00 UTC, ONEMI has issued a Red Alert for heavy rain in the Cordillera province (Metropolitan region), and a Red Alert for interruption of drinking water supply in Metropolitan region.