21/07/2026 04:17 - Internacionales
According to reports from international and local media such as DW, La Nación and Infobae, the severe storm began on July 15, 2026, striking the desert regions of Coquimbo and Atacama in Chile with unusual force. The Chilean Meteorological Directorate (DMC) classified the event as one of the most significant in recent years, driven by the El Niño phenomenon, which warms Pacific Ocean waters and alters global weather patterns.
Chile's Deputy Interior Minister, Máximo Pavez, detailed that what usually rains in a month fell in just one hour, classifying the precipitation as abnormal and extreme. Winds exceeded 100 km/h, with peaks reaching 160 km/h according to the newspaper El Día, causing heavy swells and preventive restrictions at dozens of ports along the Pacific coast.
Chilean President José Antonio Kast decreed a State of Catastrophe in the Coquimbo region and the Huasco province. For context, this constitutional measure allows:
The frontal system has also made its presence felt on the Argentine side of the Andes mountains. The phenomenon has resulted in historic snowfalls and strong white winds in the mountainous and pre-mountainous areas, with a special impact in the province of Mendoza and northern Argentine provinces.
Since July 14, 2026, the Cristo Redentor pass—the main border crossing connecting Mendoza, Argentina, to Santiago, Chile—has remained closed due to the severe storm and intense snowfall in the high mountains. For drivers needing to cross between the two countries, authorities recommend using the Pino Hachado International Pass. Located further south in the province of Neuquén, this pass is fully operational for all types of vehicles and provides a safe, alternative route through the Andes.
Forecasts indicate above-normal rainfall for the second half of the year in Argentina. Authorities are currently strengthening civil defense structures and adjusting water management policies to minimize any potential impact, bringing hope and preparation to the region.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
