Torrential rain and strong winds have struck central and southern Chile, resulting in at least three deaths and the displacement of hundreds of people. The country’s disaster relief agency, SENAPRED, reported that 466 individuals remain in shelters, some evacuated as a precautionary measure.

SENAPRED also issued evacuation orders for the Campamento Ribera del Rio area near the commune of Talagante due to rising river levels. Alicia Cebrian, head of SENAPRED, stated that seven people have been injured amid the severe weather.

The state-owned mining company Codelco announced it had halted surface operations at the Andina mine because of the storms.

Chilean President Jose Antonio Kast announced on Friday, July 17th, 2026, that he was traveling to the Biobio region, one of the hardest-hit areas, to survey the damage and oversee the response efforts.

Sources