Heavy rains struck Santiago, Chile, and its surrounding areas on Thursday, causing significant flooding, mudslides, and injuries. The severe weather led to cars being swept away in mudslides, homes inundated by floodwaters, and the evacuation of residents from affected neighborhoods.

In response to the crisis, President José Antonio Kast declared a state of emergency in Las Condes, an affluent eastern suburb of Santiago. This declaration enables government agencies to coordinate and enhance their emergency response efforts. Catalina San Martín, the mayor of Las Condes, reported that the area had received 14.4 centimeters (5.7 inches) of rain over recent days, nearly nine times the typical rainfall for October. She described the district as “totally saturated,” underscoring the severity of the event.

Authorities confirmed that at least six people sustained injuries amid the flooding and mudslides. The heavy rains rendered several primary roads impassable, hampering transportation and complicating relief operations. Emergency services have been mobilized to assist affected residents and manage the ongoing impact of the weather.

Officials continue to monitor conditions closely as meteorological forecasts suggest that the wet weather may persist, raising concerns about further damage and disruptions in Santiago and neighboring areas.