An extreme weather event, supercharged by the El Niño Godzilla phenomenon, has battered northern Chile since July 15. The Coquimbo and Atacama regions are under a state of catastrophe. As of July 22, authorities report 13 dead, 7 missing, and thousands displaced in an unprecedented climate crisis.
An extreme frontal system has battered northern and central Chile since July 15, 2026, bringing unusual rainfall that left five victims and 100,000 people isolated. In Argentina, the phenomenon brought historic snowfall to Mendoza and the closure of the Cristo Redentor pass, though the Pino Hachado pass offers a safe alternative.
An unprecedented weather front is battering central and northern Chile, leaving five fatalities and over 33,000 people isolated. On July 20, 2026, President José Antonio Kast declared a state of catastrophe in the Coquimbo and Huasco regions. Authorities are working intensely to restore services and assist those affected by this extreme climate event, hoping for a swift recovery.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
