Torrential Rain Floods Chile’s Capital, Sweeping Cars and Homes

Heavy rains flood Santiago, sweeping cars and homes as rescue efforts intensify. Learn more about the impact and response.

Editorial Desk

October 9, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Santiago, Chile — Torrential rain battered Chile’s capital Thursday, causing widespread flooding that swept cars through streets and forced residents to evacuate their homes. At least six people were injured, including a 1-year-old child with broken bones, authorities reported.

The Mapocho River overflowed, prompting evacuation orders in several districts. Chile’s disaster-response agency placed 10 other areas on high alert for landslides and ordered schools to close Friday. The downpours earlier this week had already damaged dozens of homes and left nearly 12,000 residents without power in Santiago.

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The flooding coincided with a powerful El Niño event, which is expected to peak in December and could be one of the strongest since 1950. The World Meteorological Organization warned that this climate phenomenon is disrupting global rainfall patterns and increasing the risk of extreme weather events.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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