Abnormal flooding in Chile's Atacama Region, located in the Atacama desert, known as the driest place in the world, left a 45-year-old woman and a 34-year-old man dead and at least 24 people missing.
NATURE HIT in ATACAMA, CHILE: DRAMATIC situation after the floods that left 2 dead and 24 MISSING. pic.twitter.com/OeBnRXlg0n
— NAVALTOONS (@NAVALTOONS) 26 Март 2015
The government declared a state of emergency, urging locals to flee the affected area.
Chañaral City affected by flood. Heavy rains on Atacama Desert and Antofagasta. NETs on 14255 and 7050 pic.twitter.com/bMvcZJcmNJ
— Julio CE3OP (@CE3OP) 26 Март 2015
Several cities in the usually dry Atacama Region, including the major city of Copiapó, were flooded due to excessive rains. 700 people are estimated to have lost their homes. Approximately 40,000 people were left without power.
rainfall for one of driest places on Earth, Atacama desert; some parts go without rain for 100's years @anthonywx pic.twitter.com/MQXCNuqa5B
— RGS Weather (@RGSweather) 24 Март 2015