On Thursday (October 8th), heavy rainfall in the eastern part of Santiago, the capital of Chile, triggered severe flash floods and mudslides in Las Condes. A large amount of sediment and rocks rushed into the city streets, causing numerous cars to be swept away, multiple homes and medical facilities to be severely flooded or damaged, and at least 6 injuries.
According to media reports, the foothills of San Carlos de Apoquindo in Las Condes were hit hardest by the mudslides, with massive water flows carrying sediment, rocks, and logs cascading down the slopes. This resulted in several main roads being covered with thick mud, and many vehicles were either swept away or crashed into shops.
Official sources have confirmed that at least 6 people were injured in the flash floods, including an infant who suffered a broken bone, and all the injured have been promptly taken to receive medical treatment.
Chile has recently been impacted by intense atmospheric river storms caused by the supercharged El Niño phenomenon. Several meteorological stations in the eastern regions recorded extremely heavy rainfall, and the precipitation on snow further accelerated melting, leading to this rapidly evolving geological disaster.
The National Bureau of Disaster Prevention and Response of Chile (Senapred) subsequently issued a red alert for the Greater Santiago metropolitan area, including Las Condes, Lo Barnechea, and Vitacura, among 10 municipalities. The Ministry of Education has announced that all primary and secondary schools in these areas will be closed on Friday (October 9th).
The Chilean government has declared Las Condes in a state of disaster and deployed military personnel, firefighters, and emergency response teams to the affected areas to intensify dredging and search-and-rescue efforts.