Chile declares disaster state as government mobilizes emergency response
President declares disaster state to coordinate emergency response to northern Chile's devastating storm.
Event / Disaster
Northern Chile Storm July 2026
A severe storm struck northern Chile on July 15, causing at least 10 deaths and displacing over 2,400 people. Extreme precipitation fell across affected regions, with a month's typical rainfall occurring in one hour in some areas. The storm isolated approximately 100,000 people, left 150,000 without electricity, and disrupted water supply in the Coquimbo region. This was the most extensive storm with such intense precipitation in over two decades.
5 reported locations
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2026-08-15 to 2026-11-12 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 21 Jul, 06:29 UTC
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What happened
Nearly 100,000 people isolated by flooded roads in Chile
Extreme precipitation caused rivers to overflow, cutting roads and isolating approximately 100,000 people in northern Chile. Several villages were cut off from each other due to impassable routes.
Storm represents most severe weather event in two decades for Chile
According to Chile's Meteorological Directorate, the country had not experienced such an extensive storm with such intense precipitation in over two decades. The event surpassed comparable conditions not seen in many years.
Chilean president declares state of disaster in northern regions
President José Antonio Kast declared a constitutional state of catastrophe (estado de catástrofe) in parts of northern Chile, specifically in the Coquimbo region and Huasco province, in response to the worsening situation from extreme precipitation.
Ports restrict activities due to severe sea conditions
Dozens of ports across Chile partially restricted their operations preventively due to strong swells and wind gusts exceeding 100 km/h from the storm.
Storm kills at least 10 people in Chile
A severe storm accompanied by intense precipitation, heavy winds exceeding 100 km/h, and rough seas struck Chile starting July 15, killing at least 10 people. The storm primarily affected the northern regions of Coquimbo and Atacama.
One month's rainfall fell in one hour in Chilean storm
In affected northern regions, the equivalent of an entire month's typical rainfall fell within a single hour on July 16, qualifying the event as abnormal and extreme precipitation according to Interior Minister Máximo Pavez.
150,000 people left without electricity across Chile
Approximately 150,000 people lost electrical service across the country due to the storm and its aftermath, as reported by the Ministry of Energy.
Water supply disrupted in Coquimbo region
Flooding, mud, and power outages caused interruptions in drinking water supply in the Coquimbo region, approximately 460 km north of Santiago. Water utility infrastructure was damaged and personnel had to be evacuated from some facilities.
Over 2,400 people displaced by Chilean storm
More than 2,422 people had their homes severely damaged by the storm, becoming displaced. The National Emergency Service (Senapred) reported the figure as of Monday following the storm that began July 15.
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2 alternative perspectives
Unprecedented rainfall leaves Chile's north devastated and isolated
Northern Chile storm kills at least 10, isolates nearly 100,000 people, and causes widespread infrastructure damage.