Chilean Authorities Update on Effects of Frontal System
Eduardo Torres of the Chilean Meteorological Directorate (DMC) reported on the receding frontal system affecting the country. He stated that the system is already retreating.
The National Disaster Prevention and Response Service (Senapred) released a new technical table summarizing the latest assessment of the frontal system’s impact on the south-central area of the nation.
Alicia Cebrián, Senapred director, reported two missing persons: one in the Valparaíso Region and one in the Ñuble Region. The latter individual went missing while hiking on the Nevados de Chillán volcano.
The death toll from the frontal system has climbed to four. One person in the Metropolitan Region died due to a falling tree, while similar incidents were reported in the communes of Los Ríos, Lago Ranco, and Lago Rupanco in the Los Lagos Region.
Senapred confirmed that the frontal system has affected 903 people nationwide. Of those affected, 49 people have sought shelter, 994 have been isolated, 1,343 homes have sustained minor damage, 471 have experienced major damage, 24 have been completely destroyed, and 3,682 are currently under evaluation.
The Superintendency of Electricity and Fuels (SEC) reported that 892,518 customers are currently without electricity, with the Metropolitan Region accounting for 589,715 of those affected. The Minister of Energy is coordinating with electric companies to restore power as quickly as possible.
Mr. Torres concluded by stating that the frontal system is receding and precipitation is expected to subside during the night or early morning hours. Clear skies are expected throughout the affected areas by tomorrow.
However, Mr. Torres also warned that another frontal band is expected to arrive on Monday or Tuesday, bringing strong winds of 40-60 km/h primarily along the Biobío and La Araucanía regions.