Heavy rains cause flooding and landslides in northern Chile - VIDEO

Heavy rains in northern Chile have led to large-scale flooding and landslides.

The most difficult situation has developed in the Antofagasta region, in particular in the province of Tocopilla, where the disaster caused significant damage to infrastructure.

The torrential rains that hit the region on August 18 triggered powerful streams of water that flooded streets and swept away parked cars. In some areas, mud and rocks began sliding down the slopes along with the water, posing a threat to residential buildings and local residents.

Amid the worsening situation, Chilean President José Antonio Kast declared a constitutional state of emergency in the province of Tocopilla. The decision provides for the deployment of additional forces and resources to deal with the consequences of the disaster, provide assistance to the population and carry out the necessary rescue operations.

Chile's National Service for Disaster Prevention and Response has set a red alert level for several territories of the Antofagasta region at once - Antofagasta, Taltal, Mejillones and Tocopilla. This level of warning is due to the continuing threat of new flooding and landslides.

The situation is particularly tense in Paposo, a coastal settlement within the municipality of Taltal. Due to the intense precipitation, the ravines located in the surrounding area overflowed with water, which triggered mud and soil slides. The authorities decided to evacuate residents from potentially dangerous areas.