Heavy rains have fallen in the Antofagasta and Copiapo regions in northern Chile, where rain hasn’t fallen for 20 years. 30mm of rain fell within two days, causing floods and enormous damage.

Rivers broke their banks and drainage was hugely inadequate for towns and cities in the region. Local governments have organised evacuations.

The President declared a state of emergency in Antofogasta and Atacama. The ministry of health declared a health warning in several areas.

Twelve people have have been confirmed killed by the flooding, 22 disappeared. 760 people have lost their houses, 5700 are in one of the 23 temporary shelters in the affected region.

The ACT forum in Chile are proposing interventions.