Mayor of Corral claims that the center of the commune is practically flooded due to heavy rains

The mayor of Corral, Claudio González, has confirmed that the central area of the commune is nearly submerged due to heavy rainfall affecting the Los Ríos region. The downpours have caused damage to homes, landslides, and flooding throughout the area. Speaking with CNN Chile, González described the situation as complex, requiring ongoing attention from both local municipal teams and regional authorities. Throughout the afternoon, a Risk Management Committee for Disaster Prevention was held, which estimated four affected homes and two under evaluation. However, according to the municipality, ten houses have been damaged due to flooding and mudflows that carried branches, mud, and tree trunks through the streets of Corral. González stated that the high level of precipitation had not been seen before in the commune and has led to significant flooding. He noted that the center of Corral is practically entirely flooded, with streams draining into the bay of Corral collapsing and running underground through the streets of the commune. In addition, González mentioned there have been mass movements, causing damage to homes, and these continue to increase according to reports from the incident command team based in the commune. The intensity of the rain triggered a severe flood on the slopes of some hills, where parts of the terrain broke away. This event destroyed an entire street but fortunately did not result in injuries. Authorities quickly coordinated with municipal machinery and emergency teams to clean up and assist residents. González also indicated that more rain is forecasted, along with increased wind speeds and potential thunderstorms, making the situation increasingly difficult. A shelter has been set up in the commune for people who might be affected, although it has not yet been necessary to use it. One family from the San Juan area had to evacuate when a river was threatening their home, moving with close relatives to safety. The rainfall has caused widespread disruption, with predictions suggesting similar levels of precipitation during the early morning hours. During this weather phenomenon, up to 140 millimeters of rain have fallen in Corral. According to forecasts from Chile's Meteorological Directorate (DMC), the rains will continue throughout Wednesday, accompanied by wind gusts reaching up to 70 kilometers per hour. The mayor emphasized the unprecedented nature of the rainfall, highlighting its impact on the infrastructure and daily life within the commune. The combination of heavy rain, strong winds, and potential thunderstorms poses a continued threat to the community. Emergency services remain on high alert, preparing for further challenges that could arise from the ongoing weather conditions. Residents of Corral are being advised to stay informed about the evolving situation and follow official guidance regarding safety measures. Local authorities are working diligently to manage the immediate effects of the floods while planning for possible future developments. The coordination between municipal and regional agencies remains crucial in addressing the current crisis effectively. As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of all residents and minimizing the damage caused by the extreme weather conditions. Continuous monitoring of the weather patterns and proactive response strategies will be essential in navigating the challenges posed by this unexpected and intense rainfall.