Chile Declares Climate Emergency Due to Heavy Rains

The President of Chile, José Antonio Kast, has declared a preventive climate emergency from October 18 to 23 in the regions of Coquimbo and Biobío due to the likelihood of adverse weather phenomena that could cause heavy rains, hail, and landslides. The decision is based on technical reports from the National Service for Prevention and Response to Disasters (Senapred) and projections from Chile's Meteorological Directorate. The president has instructed the Ministry of the Interior to activate the measure in advance to facilitate the availability of resources and alert mechanisms. The decree records the preventive declaration following a request made by the national director of Senapred under Law 21.364.