The National Disaster Prevention and Response Service (Senapred) declared a red alert Thursday afternoon for 10 communes in the mountain range and foothills of the Metropolitan Region, due to the risk of landslides, following the debris flow recorded in Las Condes caused by intense rainfall. The measure, adopted at 6:20 p.m., covers San José de Maipo, Puente Alto, Pirque, La Florida, Peñalolén, La Reina, Las Condes, Lo Barnechea, Vitacura and Colina, and will remain in effect as long as risk conditions warrant it. According to Senapred's technical analysis, the decision was made after the activation of the Las Ondas ravine, which triggered a debris flow of the alluvial type and affected various sectors of eastern Las Condes. The agency identified among the affected roads Camino El Alba, Quebrada Onda Sur, Vital Apoquindo and General Blanche, where damage is still being assessed. The emergency occurred in the afternoon, when a torrent of water and mud descended through streets of the commune, sweeping away vehicles and causing a Red Movilidad system bus to overturn. Affected homes and the flooding of the San Carlos Clinic were also reported.
Preparations for possible evacuations
With the declaration of the red alert, Senapred ordered the mobilization of all necessary and available resources to address and control the emergency, in addition to coordinating the deployment of the National Disaster Prevention and Response System (Sinapred). Among the measures contemplated is the readiness of resources for a possible evacuation of people, as well as the preparation of extraordinary means to deal with new emergency situations. The document also instructs reinforcing permanent monitoring of ravine and river flows, especially in the face of sudden increases that could anticipate flooding. It also warns that rainfall in foothill areas requires special attention, because rain falling on snow could cause rapid and dangerous increases in water flows. Senapred recommended that the population stay away from affected areas, avoid crossing flooded areas or areas with mud, and follow the instructions of the authorities.
Kast announces deployment of authorities
Earlier, President José Antonio Kast addressed the situation in Las Condes and announced the deployment of authorities and technical teams to deal with the emergency. "We are facing an emergency with a very rapid activation in Las Condes with serious damage to vehicles and homes on some streets as a result of a water and mud flow," he stated through his X account. The President reported that the presidential delegate was on the ground, while other authorities and teams from the Ministry of Public Works were traveling to the commune to adopt urgent measures.