Red alert declared in Santiago, Chile, over storm and hail

A thunderstorm and hailfall hit Santiago de Chile on Tuesday, prompting authorities to declare a red alert in the Metropolitan Region, according to MercoPress. The unusual weather in the middle of spring caused flooding in streets, homes and businesses, as well as the collapse of light infrastructure at the Estación Central bus terminal.

The Superintendency of Electricity and Fuels (SEC) reported that more than 36,000 homes were left without electricity due to the storm. The municipalities of Lampa and Pudahuel were hit hardest, with more than 6,000 and 2,000 customers affected, respectively, reflecting the impact of the phenomenon on urban infrastructure and basic services in the capital.

In response to the emergency, the Ministry of the Interior activated the relevant protocols and ordered the mobilization of all state institutions to assist people, vehicles and homes affected. Local authorities said the subway system operated under restrictions, with stations open only for exits and at least one of them temporarily closed.

The event comes five days after a mudslide in the foothills of the capital that left thousands of homes damaged. Chile's Meteorological Directorate extended alerts to the entire central zone of the country, while emergency teams continue working to mitigate the damage and restore basic services.