Chile assesses damage after storm surge floods Penco

A powerful storm surge swept across Chile’s central coast on Tuesday, inundating residential neighborhoods and compromising roadways, bridges and utility lines. The surge, described by meteorologists as one of the most severe in recent decades, caused widespread flooding that forced dozens of families to evacuate their homes and left several public facilities temporarily out of service.

Local authorities have issued an advisory for residents to avoid the shoreline until sea conditions stabilize, citing the continued risk of high waves and strong currents. Emergency crews are conducting damage assessments and restoring essential services, while the national weather service monitors the system for further developments. Officials emphasized that the situation will be reassessed regularly and that public safety remains the priority.