Alcalde de Alto del Carmen reporta desaparecido tras avalancha de nieve y pide decretar zona de catástrofe

The mayor of Alto del Carmen, Cristian Olivares, reported that a person has gone missing after a snow avalanche in the Juntas de Valeriano area of the Atacama Region, one of the most affected areas due to the frontal weather system. The incident occurred on Sunday, July 19, 2026, and Olivares shared the update through social media. He described the situation as concerning, noting that the municipality has received reports of a snowfall that buried a person in the locality. Olivares emphasized that the community has faced challenges in securing assistance from higher levels of government. His team had requested a helicopter to survey the area, but the request was denied due to adverse weather conditions limiting aerial operations. The mayor expressed concern over the damage caused by the recent weather, including road closures, flooded irrigation channels, and damaged homes. He noted that approximately one meter of snow has accumulated in the Juntas de Valeriano sector, with heavy precipitation continuing. This has heightened the risk of flooding, rockslides, and other hazards. In response to the ongoing crisis, Olivares formally requested that the national authorities declare the Alto del Carmen commune a disaster zone. Such a designation would allow the municipality access to additional resources, specialized equipment, and vehicles necessary for search and rescue efforts. The mayor’s call for a disaster declaration aligns with similar requests from officials in the Northern Chilean region, who have urged the government of President José Antonio Kast to issue a state of emergency for the regions of Atacama and Coquimbo to address the impact of the frontal system. Local authorities have implemented preventive road closures in the El Maitén and El Terrón sectors due to the imminent danger posed by river overflow. Work continues on clearing the route connecting Alto del Carmen to Vallenar. These measures aim to protect residents and ensure safe passage during the ongoing hazardous weather conditions. The avalanche in Juntas de Valeriano highlights the severity of the current weather pattern affecting northern Chile. The Atacama Region, known for its arid climate, has experienced unusual snowfall and heavy rainfall, leading to widespread disruption. Emergency services have been working under difficult conditions to assess the extent of the damage and locate the missing individual. As the situation evolves, the mayor and local authorities remain focused on coordinating with regional and national agencies to manage the crisis effectively. The continued heavy precipitation and snow accumulation pose ongoing risks, requiring sustained monitoring and intervention. The community awaits further support from the government to address both immediate safety concerns and long-term recovery efforts.