Government declares regions of Arica and Parinacota, Tarapacá and Antofagasta as areas affected by catastrophe after damage by frontal system

The Chilean government declared the regions of Arica and Parinacota, Tarapacá, and Antofagasta as zones affected by a catastrophe following damage caused by a frontal system. The declaration was signed by President José Antonio Kast and Interior Minister Claudio Alvarado and published in the Official Gazette on Friday. This action activates tools under Law No. 16.282 to release emergency funds and expedite infrastructure and basic service repairs, while reinforcing support for affected individuals and families. President Kast visited the regions earlier this week after the frontal system impacted areas including Arica and Parinacota and Coquimbo, causing road closures and infrastructure damage at hospitals. His visit began generating tangible effects, with Tarapacá being officially declared a disaster zone. This designation allows for faster reconstruction efforts and quicker access to resources. Adriana Tapia, the presidential delegate for Tarapacá, will coordinate and implement recovery programs determined by the government in the region, aligning the work of various public agencies, as explained by the executive. In a social media post, Tapia stated that the declaration marks an important step toward accelerating the recovery of the region. She emphasized that the government is concerned and actively working to restore infrastructure, services, and primarily assist families affected by the disaster. According to the latest update from the National Service for Prevention and Response to Disasters (Senapred), released on Friday, the Region of Arica and Parinacota was one of the most affected areas, with 93 people displaced, 37 staying in shelters, and 31 homes suffering major damage, along with another 30 with minor damage. The commune of Camarones was severely impacted, with 57 people displaced, 30 homes with major damage, and 22 others requiring further evaluation. In the Region of Tarapacá, the damage concentrated mainly in Iquique, where up to this morning there were 1,786 displaced persons, with 31 still in shelters. The housing damage includes 452 homes with major damage and 2,889 with minor damage. In Antofagasta, the most affected commune was Tocopilla, which currently houses 377 people in shelters and has 49 homes with damage under assessment. The declaration follows a series of intense rains and flooding triggered by the frontal system that moved through northern Chile. These conditions led to widespread disruptions, including blocked roads and damaged healthcare facilities. The government's response aims to streamline recovery operations and ensure timely assistance to affected communities. The decision to declare these regions as disaster zones comes after a detailed assessment of the damage and the need for immediate intervention. Authorities have stressed the importance of coordinated efforts among different public institutions to address the crisis effectively. The activation of emergency funding mechanisms is intended to provide swift relief and support for reconstruction efforts. Residents in the affected areas continue to face challenges related to displacement and property damage. Local officials have assured the public that recovery efforts are underway and that additional resources will be allocated as needed. The situation highlights the vulnerability of certain regions to extreme weather events and underscores the necessity of robust disaster preparedness measures. Emergency teams remain deployed in the affected regions, assessing damage and providing aid to those in need. The government has pledged continued support and coordination to ensure that all necessary actions are taken to mitigate the impact of the disaster and facilitate long-term recovery.