Chile Declares State of Catastrophe After Historic Rains Kill Five, Isolate 99,000

Chile declared a constitutional state of catastrophe for the Coquimbo Region and Huasco province on July 20 after historic rainfall — over 200 mm at Cerro Tololo — triggered floods and mudslides. At least five people are dead, several missing, and over 99,000 cut off. President Kast's decree grants expanded authority to requisition goods and restrict movement in the affected zones.