Consequences of the frontal system: In which communes of Coquimbo and Atacama are classes still suspended?
The article reports that due to the effects of a frontal system, the Ministry of Education (Mineduc) has suspended classes in several communes across the regions of Coquimbo and Atacama. The suspension applies from Monday, July 27, in La Higuera, and extends until Wednesday, July 29, in Vallenar, Alto del Carmen, Freirina, and Huasco. The measure affects both public and private educational institutions at all levels, including early childhood, basic, and secondary education. The information is provided by Mineduc, which cites the weather conditions as the reason for the school closures.
The Chilean disaster response agency Senapred has updated its casualty figures following the impact of a recent weather system, reporting 461 people affected and 6,183 isolated individuals. The number of fatalities remains unchanged at two, both being occupants of a truck that was struck by a fallen tree near Pata de Gallo in the Los Ríos Region. The update was announced by Alicia Cebrián, director of the National Service of Prevention and Response to Disasters (Senapred). The latest assessment was released on Sunday, August 2, 2026, marking a significant increase compared to the previous day’s tally of 347 affected persons. The regions most severely impacted include Ñuble, which recorded the highest number of affected individuals with 172 cases, followed by O’Higgins and La Araucanía with 91 and 84 respectively. In terms of isolation, La Araucanía leads with 5,032 people cut off from services, surpassing the earlier figure of 2,052. The damage to housing includes 17 completely destroyed homes, 379 with major damage, and 2,908 with minor damage, while 1,200 properties remain under evaluation. Additionally, the Superintendence of Electricity and Fuels (SEC) reported that 101,905 households were without power, predominantly in the Maule Region with 24,200 cases, followed by O’Higgins and La Araucanía. In the municipality of Angol, located in the Malleco Province of La Araucanía, local authorities have suspended classes in all municipal educational institutions for the upcoming Monday and Tuesday due to the ongoing emergency caused by the weather system. This decision follows reports from Senapred indicating 76 affected residents and 25 homes suffering structural damage. The suspension aims to ensure the safety of students and staff amid heavy rainfall, river overflows, and disrupted connectivity. Authorities have urged the community to prioritize safety, adhere to official guidelines, and stay informed through reliable channels. The broader implications of the weather system extend beyond Angol, affecting multiple regions including Atacama, Ñuble, Bío-Bío, and Aysén, where schools were also temporarily closed on Friday due to similar conditions. These measures reflect a coordinated effort among regional governments and disaster management agencies to mitigate risks associated with extreme weather events. The situation underscores the vulnerability of infrastructure and communities in areas prone to flooding and landslides during periods of intense precipitation. Local officials have expressed solidarity with affected families, emphasizing the need for continued support and resources to aid recovery efforts. The extent of damage and disruption highlights the importance of preparedness and resilience-building strategies in the face of increasingly frequent and severe weather patterns. As assessments continue, further updates on casualties, infrastructure repair progress, and long-term recovery plans are anticipated in the coming days. The ongoing crisis serves as a reminder of the challenges posed by climate variability and the necessity for robust emergency response systems. With additional rain expected in the coming days, authorities are monitoring the situation closely to prevent further complications and ensure public safety. The focus remains on providing immediate relief, restoring essential services, and supporting affected populations through sustained coordination between government bodies and local communities.
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