Floods and landslides in Chile: More than 1.000 people evacuated, six injured

Heavy rains caused flooding and landslides in and around Chile's capital Santiago, causing more than 1.000 people to be evacuated and at least six people injured. President Chile Jose Antonio Cast declared a state of emergency in Las Condes, an eastern suburb of the capital, after flash floods blocked major roads, Insider reports.

The area has received 144 millimeters of rain in recent days, which is about nine times more than the average rainfall for October, said Santiago Mayor Catalina San Martín.

Photo: AP Photo/Esteban Felix)

Due to the rising water level, the Mapocho River overflowed its banks, after which the authorities ordered the evacuation of the endangered population.

Fire crews rescued or evacuated more than 1.000 people. Among the injured is a one-year-old child who suffered broken bones. No deaths were reported as of Thursday.

Chile's disaster response agency put another 10 districts on high alert for the threat of new landslides, while schools were ordered to close in threatened areas.

Photo: AP Photo/Esteban Felix)

The storm previously damaged dozens of houses in the central part of the country, and almost 12.000 users in Santiago were left without electricity.

The floods hit Chile at a time of strengthening of the El Niño phenomenon, which affects rainfall patterns around the world. The World Meteorological Organization announced that this year's El Niño could reach its peak in December and rank among the most intense recorded since 1950.

According to forecasts, the rains in Chile should weaken during the day.

Election time! And someone has to report to you independently. That's why it's in October annual subscription the digital edition of "Vremena" even 2.500 dinars cheaper. Choose now!