In brief
Recent torrential rains triggered the Mapocho river to breach its banks, flooding Talagante and other communities 35 km south‑west of Santiago. Police and emergency responders used helicopters to evacuate residents and pets from flooded streets. The event is part of unusually wet weather linked to this year’s strong El Niño, foreshadowing further flooding during the southern‑hemisphere spring. A fatality in San Bernardo was reported, though its cause remains uncertain. Climate experts warn the 2026‑2027 El Niño could intensify weather extremes across the globe.
Policymakers in central Chile have airlifted several residents to safety after rising floodwaters left them trapped in their homes.
The surge was caused by a burst of the Mapocho River, whose banks were overwhelmed by recent torrential rains. The flood has inundated large parts of Talagante, a town 35 km (22 miles) southwest of the capital, Santiago.
Santiago has recorded 74 mm of rainfall in the first seven days of this month, the highest October total in 76 years, according to meteorologists.
Officials warned that this year’s unusually strong El Niño phenomenon will likely keep delivering wet weather, strong winds and storms to the region throughout the southern‑hemisphere spring.
A fatality was confirmed in a flooded underpass in San Bernardo, south of Santiago, though the cause has yet to be verified.
In Talagante, police used helicopters to rescue people and pets along the banks of the Mapocho who were caught by the fast‑rising waters overnight.
Dirt roads turned into rivers in the riverside community, which, unlike earlier July storms, had not been evacuated ahead of the heavy downpours.
