Chile has declared a state of catastrophe in the Coquimbo region and Huasco province after torrential rain caused severe flooding and mudslides, forcing evacuations across affected towns. Local mayors report at least five deaths, with the national disaster agency Senapred confirming several people remain missing and tens of thousands have been affected, prompting President José Antonio Kast to activate the constitutional emergency measure after reviewing the situation.

Senapred said more than 99,000 people have been left isolated by the extreme weather, which has struck communities nationwide. Coquimbo saw record-breaking rainfall, with over 200mm recorded at Cerro Tololo, according to Chile's meteorological authorities, underscoring the unusual severity of the storm.