Severe Storm Leaves 10 Dead and Triggers Nationwide Class Suspensions
A severe weather system has resulted in 10 confirmed fatalities and widespread infrastructure damage across Chile, prompting the government to suspend classes in multiple regions.
Emergency Status and Human Impact
As of the latest briefings, the impact of the storm remains extensive. Beyond the 10 confirmed deaths, authorities are searching for four missing individuals—two in Coquimbo and two in the Atacama region. Alicia Cebrián, National Director of Senapred, reported that 17 people have been injured, with 2,422 people classified as “damnificados” (affected/displaced) and 1,168 currently housed in shelters.
The storm has left 104,504 people in isolation, primarily concentrated within the Atacama and Coquimbo regions. Significant damage to housing has also been recorded: 76 homes have been destroyed, 2,121 sustained major damage, and 16,948 suffered minor damage, with 888 units still under assessment. Additionally, the Superintendence of Electricity and Combustibles (SEC) reported that 138,000 customers were without power, with Valparaíso and Coquimbo experiencing the most significant disruptions.
Government Response and Education Disruptions
The Ministry of Education, in coordination with the government, has implemented tiered suspensions of school activities to protect students and staff. Following a technical committee meeting at Senapred, Biminister of the Interior Claudio Alvarado announced that classes were suspended for Wednesday, July 22, in the entire Coquimbo region, the province of Huasco (Atacama), the Valparaíso region, and specific communes in the Metropolitan region, including San José de Maipo, Til Til, and Melipilla.
These measures follow a series of earlier, localized suspensions. On July 21, the government had already suspended classes in specific communes across Atacama, Coquimbo, Valparaíso, and the Metropolitan region due to ongoing heavy rains, flooding, and connectivity issues.
Controversy Over Coordination
The government’s decision-making process regarding school closures has faced scrutiny. During a session in the Senate, Biminister Claudio Alvarado addressed criticism regarding the timing of a suspension in Valparaíso, which was announced shortly after 7:00 a.m. on a Tuesday.
Affected Regions and Communes
The following areas have been subject to varying levels of school suspensions due to the storm’s impact:
| Region | Scope of Suspension |
|---|---|
| Coquimbo | Entire Region |
| Atacama | Province of Huasco (Vallenar, Alto del Carmen, Freirina, Huasco); Copiapó, Tierra Amarilla, Caldera |
| Valparaíso | Entire Region (including Petorca, La Ligua, Cabildo, Papudo, Zapallar, Quilpué, Villa Alemana, Olmué, Limache) |
| Metropolitan | San José de Maipo, Til Til, Melipilla |
Authorities, including the Ministry of Education and regional delegations, continue to monitor the situation, advising the public to remain updated through official channels as the storm’s effects persist.
Sources: Biobiochile.
Sources: La Tercera.
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