SANTIAGO (Chile), Aug 19 — No registered Malaysians have been reported involved or affected by mudslides following heavy rain in several areas in northern Chile since mid-August, according to the Embassy of Malaysia (Malawakil) in Santiago, Chile today.
Malawakil Santiago said as of August 19, a total of 49 Malaysians have registered with the embassy, while it continues to monitor the weather situation in the affected areas.
“Heavy rain hit several areas in northern Chile, particularly the Atacama and Antofagasta regions, triggering mudslides,” it said in a report on the extreme weather conditions and flash floods in northern Chile shared with Bernama.
“As of Aug 18, the most serious conditions were reported in Tocopilla, Antofagasta, where several residential areas were inundated by water and mud, disrupting road access,” Malawakil Santiago said.
It added that mudslide risk warnings had been issued for Puerto Viejo, Caldera and several other high-risk areas.
“As a precautionary measure, Chilean authorities through the Servicio Nacional de Prevención y Respuesta ante Desastres (SENAPRED) have ordered residents in several high-risk areas to evacuate to safe locations via the SAE emergency alert system.
“The Chilean government also declared an Estado de Excepción Constitucional de Catástrofe (Constitutional State of Exception due to Catastrophe) for Tocopilla on Aug 18 to facilitate the mobilisation of government resources to address the emergency,” Malawakil Santiago said.
The emergency declaration, however, only involves the Antofagasta region and not the entire country.
According to the latest report, a total of 64 people have been affected, 521 people placed in evacuation centres, and three people injured.
Malawakil Santiago said weather conditions in several northern areas are still being monitored due to the possibility of continued rain, fast-flowing water, as well as risks of mudslides and landslides, although conditions are expected to gradually ease starting August 19.
“Malaysians in Chile have been advised to remain vigilant, take appropriate safety measures, comply with instructions from local authorities, and stay in touch with the Embassy of Malaysia for information and assistance if needed.
“Malaysians are also advised to avoid visiting the affected areas unless for emergency and official matters,” it said.
Malawakil Santiago also said that it will continue to monitor the latest developments and provide updates to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malaysia, if necessary. — Bernama
