Heavy Rains in Chile Kill 13, Displace Thousands

At least 13 people have died and seven others went missing after heavy rains lashed Chile, authorities said on Tuesday.

The rainstorm has hit Chile's central region down to the south which has led to widespread flooding, road closures and damage to homes.

President Jose Antonio Kast declared a state of emergency in the affected areas on Monday.

What is the extent of the damage?

"We have 13 dead and seven missing," Alicia Cebrian, director of Chile's SENAPRED national emergency service, told reporters.

In addition to the casualties, 2,281 people have been displaced, 81 homes have been destroyed with 2,761 more sustaining major damage, while 87,000 people remain without electricity, according to Cebrian.

The power supply was disrupted due to washed out roads, government officials said, adding that they are seeking sanctions ‌on ⁠electricity ⁠distributors for sustained power outages.

School classes were suspended across several municipalities in four regions.

Interior Minister Claudio Alvarado said the rains were expected to ease, but that risks still remain due to "swollen riverbeds and ravines."

"Waterways, streams, ​and riverbanks have been weakened by the rainfall ​over ‌the past few days; there is still a risk of rising water levels in some of ‌them," Cebrian said.