Chile floods have transformed parts of the normally bone-dry Atacama Desert region into a disaster zone, with intense rainfall triggering flash floods, mudflows and landslides in northern Chile.
The worst conditions have been reported around Tocopilla in the Antofagasta Region, where authorities declared a state of catastrophe following the severe weather. Torrential rainfall caused floodwaters and debris to surge through affected areas, damaging infrastructure, blocking roads and forcing evacuations.
The rainfall is particularly extraordinary because this part of northern Chile lies alongside the Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on Earth. Around 30 millimetres of rain was reported in Tocopilla within hours, dramatically exceeding the area's normal annual rainfall.
The extreme weather has also affected other parts of northern Chile, with authorities monitoring rivers, normally dry ravines and areas vulnerable to landslides and flash flooding.
At least one death has been reported in the Antofagasta Region, while thousands of people have been affected by the wider emergency. Emergency crews have been deployed to assist residents, clear debris and respond to flooding and landslides.
The latest situation highlights how even extremely arid regions can face dangerous flooding when intense rainfall arrives over a short period.
In this video:
* Chile floods and latest developments
* Tocopilla flooding and landslides
* Extreme rainfall in northern Chile
* Atacama Desert flooding
* Flash floods and mudflows
* Evacuations and emergency response
* State of catastrophe in Tocopilla
* Severe weather across Chile
* Latest Chile weather updates
* Extreme weather in South America
