Police in central Chile have airlifted several residents to safety after rising floodwaters left them trapped in their homes.
The torrential rains caused the Mapocho River to burst its banks, flooding large parts of the city of Talagante, 35km (22 miles) southwest of Santiago.
Santiago recorded 74mm of rainfall in the first seven days of the month, the rainiest October in 76 years, according to meteorological data.
Experts warn that this year’s powerful El Niño will likely continue to bring wet weather, strong winds and storms to the region throughout Southern Hemisphere spring.
Officials report that one person has been found dead in a flooded underpass in San Bernardo, south of Santiago, though the cause of death is not yet confirmed.
In Talagante, police used helicopters to rescue people and pets living near the banks of the Mapocho, who had been caught off guard by the rapidly rising waters overnight.
Dirt roads turned into rivers in the riverside community, which—unlike last July’s storms—had not been evacuated before the heavy downpours.
Climatologists say the 2026‑2027 El Niño could intensify global weather patterns, exacerbating drought in some regions while increasing flood risk in others. In central Chile, above‑average rainfall is expected to continue.
The Mapocho river in central Chile burst its banks after heavy rains.
