Flash Floods Force Evacuations After Mudslides Wipe Out Northern Chile

Cars tumbled down slopes while flash floods battered northern Chile on August 19, 2026. Mudslides and rushing water ripped through streets just hours ago. Residents watched in horror as vehicles slid uncontrollably toward the valley floor. Emergency crews scrambled to evacuate families trapped by the deluge. Streets remained clogged with debris long after the initial surge passed. Chile officially declared a state of catastrophe for Tocopilla province today. Heavy rain continues to fall without stopping, threatening more landslides. The government mobilized resources to clear roads and search for survivors. People huddled in shelters as floodwaters rose again overnight.