Dramatic
footage of cars, trucks and whole buildings being washed away in muddy water
has emerged online after thunderstorms and abnormal rainfall in Chile’s desert
Atacama region caused the Copiapo River to break its banks last week.
The news report continues:
At least 25 people were killed and 125 others are missing as the floods ravaged the area known as one of the driest places on Earth.
At least 25 people were killed and 125 others are missing as the floods ravaged the area known as one of the driest places on Earth.
The
authorities evacuated thousands from their homes in what was described as “the worst rain disaster to fall on the
north [of Chile] in 80 years.”
About
2,700 people are currently being housed in emergency accommodation, with around
30,000 people affected by the disaster, the National Emergency Office said.
President
Michelle Bachelet was forced to cancel a trip to an international summit to
travel to flood-hit Atacama on Sunday.
"We stand with you, as we have from the
beginning, and we will rebuild," Bachelet is cited by
AFP. "It pains me to see my
country in such a state ... we will find a solution."
The
president also warned of high risk of disease outbreaks in the area, saying
that government is sending thousands of doses of vaccines against flu, tetanus
and hepatitis A.
The heavy rains in Chile
came after several days of high temperatures and a drought that caused massive
wildfires in the south-central regions.
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