16 Mar 2022 | 01:24 PM UTC
Chile: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing in Calama, Antofagasta Region, as of March 16
Disruptions due to flooding ongoing in Calama, Antofagasta Region, as of March 16; further adverse weather forecast across northern Chile.
Event
Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing in Calama Commune in El Loa Province, Antofagasta Region, as of March 16. Further adverse weather, including heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, is forecast across much of northern Chile through at least March 17 and could trigger further flooding, landslides, and associated disruptions.
Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms in Calama March 15 caused disruptions to roads in the area and caused the collapse of part of the roof at El Loa Airport (CJC). The damage to the airport led to one flight cancelation; however, flights are largely operating as normal. Power outages have been reported in sectors of Calama and at least 42 families have been affected by damage to their homes caused by the flooding. Evacuation centers have been set up at two high schools in the region, with schools closed until at least March 18.
The Meteorological Directorate of Chile is maintaining several yellow level weather warnings (the lowest level on a three-tier scale) across northern Chile as of March 16. Thunderstorm warnings are in place across Antofagasta and Atacama regions and for mountainous and semi-mountainous areas of Arica y Parinacota, Coquimbo, and Tarapaca regions. Rainfall warnings are in effect for central parts of Antofagasta, Arica Y Parinacota, Coquimbo, and Tarapaca regions, as well as for coastal parts of southwestern Antofagasta and northwestern Atacama regions. Snowfall warnings are in place across mountainous regions of Antofagasta, Arica y Parinacota, Atacama, and Tarapaca regions.
Hazardous Conditions
The storms could produce rounds of heavy precipitation, strong winds, and isolated thunderstorm activity across the affected area. Where precipitation falls as rain, flash and areal flooding is possible. Such flooding is possible in low-lying communities near watercourses and other large bodies of water, as well as in urban areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream of large reservoirs may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall.
Precipitation could fall as snow in the higher elevations over the coming days. Wind gusts could cause blowing and drifting snow; decreased visibility is likely in mountainous areas. Rain-induced landslides cannot be discounted in areas of elevated terrain; there is also the possibility of avalanches in mountainous areas where the snowpack has become unstable due to heavy snowfall. Power outages could occur throughout the affected area.
Transport
The severe weather will likely contribute to transport disruptions throughout the region. Traffic and commercial trucking delays might occur along regional highways. Flooding downpours could inundate some low-lying roads in areas with poor drainage. Mountain passes and tunnels could be closed as a precautionary measure during periods of intense snowfall. Strong winds might also pose a hazard to high-profile vehicles. Hazardous weather conditions might cause flight delays and cancellations at regional airports.
Advice
Monitor local media for updated emergency and weather information. Seek updated information on weather and road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast. Plan accordingly for potential delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area. Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
