President Kast says the country remains in a "critical situation" due to the frontal system and assures that aid to the victims has already begun

Chile’s national coastlines have been placed under alert due to abnormal wave conditions triggered by an intense weather system. The warning was issued by the Navy’s Meteorological Service, which has forecasted severe wave activity across much of the country this week. The advisory covers areas from the Huasco region to the Gulf of Penas, including the Juan Fernández Archipelago, with specific times of heightened wave activity outlined for each affected zone. The advisory spans from Thursday, July 16, through Saturday, July 18. In the area stretching from Huasco to Faro Corona, waves are expected to intensify throughout the day starting Thursday, with peak periods recorded between noon and 2 p.m., and again between midnight and 2 a.m. For the stretch from Faro Corona to the Gulf of Penas, wave activity will begin in the afternoon on Thursday, peaking between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m., and again between midnight and 2 a.m. On the Juan Fernández Archipelago, wave conditions are anticipated to rise from Thursday morning through Friday, with high waves predicted between noon and 2 p.m., and again between midnight and 2 a.m. Authorities have issued safety recommendations to residents and visitors along the coastline. These include avoiding coastal areas, especially rocky zones, for recreational or sporting activities. People are advised not to swim in beaches marked with red flags or lacking lifeguards. When traveling by vehicle, caution is urged due to potential obstacles such as sand, stones, or seaweed on roads. At home, protective measures should be taken, such as securing windows and using sandbags to prevent water entry. The National Emergency Office, known as Senapred, has emphasized the importance of public awareness and preparedness during these extreme weather conditions. The advisory highlights the need for vigilance, particularly in regions prone to sudden changes in ocean behavior. Coastal communities are being encouraged to monitor local forecasts and follow guidelines to ensure safety. The weather system, described as a powerful front, is expected to bring heavy rainfall and strong winds, contributing to the increased wave activity. While the exact origin of the front is still under study, its impact on marine conditions has already begun to manifest. Local fishermen and maritime operators have reported unusual wave patterns in recent days, prompting early action from authorities to issue the advisory. In response to the situation, emergency services have increased their presence along key coastal routes, preparing for possible evacuations or assistance requests. Community leaders in affected areas have also begun coordinating efforts to disseminate information and support vulnerable populations, such as elderly individuals living near the shore. Schools and public facilities in coastal towns have been advised to remain closed during the height of the storm to minimize risks. As the weather system continues to develop, further updates are expected from the Navy’s Meteorological Service. Residents are advised to stay informed through official channels and take all recommended precautions seriously. The coming days will determine whether the current conditions escalate or subside, but for now, the focus remains on ensuring public safety and minimizing disruption.