Central Chileis were rescued by air after the Mapocho River burst its banks during extraordinary rains.
In Talagante, 35 km southwest of Santiago, relentless rainfall turned riverside streets into water channels overnight. Police had to lift people and their pets from homes using helicopters.
The flooding follows October’s 74 mm of rain, making it the wettest of the month in 76 years. Weather scientists link the deluge to a strong El Niño that is expected to drive even more intense storms across the region.
One person has been confirmed dead in a flooded underpass in San Bernardo, south of Santiago, although the cause of death remains under investigation.
Local authorities warn that the remaining spring may bring further heavy rainfall, powerful winds and additional flooding as the El Niño continues its influence.
