Wind Gusts Cause Chaos at Santiago Airport
Strong winds wreaked havoc at Santiago Airport in Chile, forcing flight cancellations and causing damage.
Wind gusts exceeding 120 kilometers per hour affected the western area of the Metropolitan Region, specifically in the commune of Pudahuel, where Santiago Airport is located. Social media users shared accounts of the intense winds.
The presidential delegate of the Metropolitan Region, Gonzalo Durán, confirmed reports of gusts up to 127 kilometers per hour in the capital.
Flights Suspended and Rescheduled
Strong winds caused flights to be suspended for several hours. However, authorities have now restored departures and arrivals.
Emergency Measures Taken
As a precautionary measure, the control tower was temporarily evacuated due to the strong winds. The winds also caused damage to the airport, with some roofs blown off and a metal plate seen crashing through a boarding room window.
Damage and Fallen Signage
The powerful gusts also brought down several advertising signs in the vicinity of the airport.
Images of the Damage
Several images were shared online depicting the damage caused by the strong winds. The airport authorities have not released an official statement regarding the situation.