What is the location of the flooding?
As of July 23, 2026, torrential rains and a prolonged frontal weather system linked to El Niño have triggered devastating flooding across central and northern Chile.
The storm system has caused overflowing rivers, landslides, and extensive damage to homes, roads, and critical infrastructure (1).
Floodwaters continue to threaten communities and additional runoff keeps river levels elevated.
Which cities or areas are affected by the flooding?
Flooding has affected multiple regions across Chile including:
What is the current containment status of the flooding?
Containment remains challenging as flooding continues across the affected regions, leaving more than 100,000 people isolated (2).
Emergency crews are carrying out rescue, recovery, and damage assessment operations while authorities continue monitoring rivers and unstable waterways, warning that runoff may keep water levels elevated even after rainfall subsides (3).
Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?
Chile's national disaster agency, SENAPRED, has issued evacuation alerts across multiple affected regions and authorities have declared states of emergency in the hardest-hit areas (4).
Emergency shelters have been opened, while residents in flood-prone communities are being urged to follow evacuation instructions, avoid flooded roads, and monitor official weather and flood advisories as additional rainfall remains possible.
How can I protect myself from mold after flooding?
It’s important to take steps to prevent mold after a flood.
- Before entering a flooded area, make sure it is safe and free from electrical hazards or structural damage.
- Use protective gear: wear gloves, goggles, and a KN95/FFP2 mask to minimize exposure to mold spores.
- If there is still standing water, remove it as quickly as possible. Use pumps, wet-dry vacuums, or buckets to extract the water.
- Open windows and doors to facilitate air circulation and use fans, dehumidifiers, and HVAC systems to help dry the space. This step is crucial within the first 24-48 hours after flooding to prevent mold growth.
- Remove and discard any items that have been severely damaged by floodwater and cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried. This includes carpets, upholstered furniture, mattresses, and any other porous materials.
- Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces with a detergent or cleaner suitable for mold remediation. Use a solution of 1.5 cups of bleach mixed with one gallon of water to disinfect nonporous surfaces. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products, as the fumes are toxic.
- Maintain an indoor relative humidity (RH) of 35-50%. High humidity promotes mold growth, so consider using dehumidifiers in damp areas.
- Run a high-performance air purifier for mold, both during and after the mold removal work.
- If the flooding and mold damage are extensive, consider contacting professionals specializing in mold remediation to ensure proper cleanup and restoration.
Remember, mold can pose health risks, so it's important to take these steps promptly and thoroughly. If you experience persistent mold-related health issues or have concerns about extensive mold growth, consult with a medical professional or a mold remediation specialist.
