Government on alert for heavy rains announced for tonight in the north: schools suspended in Atacama and areas of Antofagasta

The Chilean government has issued warnings ahead of heavy rainfall expected tonight in northern regions, prompting the suspension of classes in parts of Atacama and Antofagasta. Subsecretary of the Interior Máximo Pavez announced measures taken during a technical meeting with officials from the National Service of Prevention and Response to Disasters (Senapred) and the Meteorological Directorate. The meeting took place this afternoon, following earlier declarations of a preventive emergency in the regions of Arica and Parinacota and Coquimbo until August 16. Pavez noted that Atacama will be the main area of concern due to projected rainfall ranging between 40 to 60 millimeters, primarily in mountainous sectors. In northern Coquimbo, rain is expected to reach up to 30 millimeters, again mainly in mountain and foothill areas. He added that southern Antofagasta will see some precipitation during the night, which is unlikely to cause major disruption. Earlier in the day, light rains had already caused increases in watercourses in the foothills of Atacama, leading to the activation of SAE messaging in the Alto del Carmen commune due to the activation of certain streams. As a result of the weather system, the Ministry of Education decided to suspend classes today in the entire Atacama Region and in specific communes within Antofagasta, Ollagüe, San Pedro de Atacama, and Calama. Felipe Riquelme, acting director of Senapred, stated that so far, the effects of the rain have been minimal. He mentioned that the closure of Route A-345, which leads into the town of Camarones, was due to a fallen tree. Additionally, Routes 27-CH and 23-CH, connecting Antofagasta with San Pedro de Atacama and linking San Pedro de Atacama with the border crossing Sico, remain closed. Riquelme warned that there could be an increase in rainfall during the night, particularly in Atacama and Coquimbo, urging citizens to prepare and avoid risky behavior such as crossing active waterways or gullies. He emphasized the importance of staying attentive to evacuation messages and SAE alerts. Regarding border crossings, Pavez reported that the Paso de Pino Hachado in the Araucanía region opened this morning from 11:00 to 19:00, and is expected to operate similarly today to alleviate congestion caused by the number of stranded trucks. The Paso Cardenal Samoré in the Los Lagos region remains open and functioning normally. However, the Paso Los Libertadores, affected by a weather system on the Argentine side, is not expected to reopen until later in the week. In the north, the Chacalluta complex in Arica and Parinacota operates normally, though the Paso Chungará is operational during the day but closes overnight. The Paso Colchane in Tarapacá is open from 8:00 to 20:00 without incidents. In Antofagasta, border crossings including Ollagüe, Hito Cajón, Sico, and Jama are closed. Finally, in Atacama, the Paso San Francisco remains closed, with no signs of reopening this week due to snow accumulation on the Chilean side.