Chile is facing one of its most severe weather emergencies in recent decades following a succession of powerful frontal systems – the boundaries where two different air masses meet, which can cause storms – that affected the country from Atacama to Los Ríos. The Government of Chile declared preventive emergency measures and later a State of Catastrophe in the Coquimbo Region and Huasco Province to support response operations and accelerate assistance to affected communities.
According to official information from the National Disaster Prevention and Response Service (SENAPRED), the storms have resulted in fatalities, injuries, displacement, extensive housing damage, and prolonged disruptions to essential services. Government response efforts remain focused on restoring connectivity, supporting isolated communities, re-establishing electricity and water services, and delivering humanitarian assistance.
As of the latest reported figures, authorities indicated that at least 13 people have lost their lives, 7 remain missing, more than 2,200 people have been displaced. Thousands of homes have been damaged or destroyed. Tens of thousands of residents were isolated due to flooding, landslides, and road closures, while widespread power outages affected hundreds of thousands of households during the peak of the emergency.
Priority needs include debris removal, temporary shelter, restoration of basic services, household recovery assistance, protection support, and rehabilitation of damaged infrastructure and livelihoods.
Private Sector Response Efforts
The private sector has mobilized rapidly through Desafío Levantemos Chile, one of the country’s leading disaster response organizations, which works as a bridge between affected communities, companies, and public institutions to provide rapid and efficient support during emergencies.
Since the onset of the emergency, Desafío Levantemos Chile has deployed teams across the regions of Bio-Bío, Maule, Ohiggins, Valparaíso and Coquimbo, to assess needs and coordinate assistance with local authorities and communities affected by the storms.
Working in coordination with government authorities and emergency management agencies, the organization is mobilizing support for families impacted by floods, landslides, infrastructure damage, and loss of household goods. Its response includes the provision of emergency relief items and recovery support tailored to evolving community needs.
How to Support the Response
- Make a Financial Contribution
Flexible funding remains the most effective way to support affected communities and enable rapid response and recovery efforts. It enables frontline responders to rapidly address evolving needs and direct resources where they are needed most.
Desafío Levantemos Chile – Official Donation Account:
- Beneficiary: Desafío Levantemos Chile
- RUT: 65.943.320-6
- Bank: Banco de Chile
- Current Account: 98027-07
- Email: info@desafiochile.cl
Online donations can also be made through Desafío Levantemos Chile’s official fundraising platforms. https://desafiolevantemoschile.org/causa/emergencia-sistema-frontal/
b. Offer In-Kind Support
Companies able to provide logistics, transportation, warehousing, equipment, technical expertise, or relief supplies are encouraged to coordinate directly with response partners to ensure contributions align with verified needs on the ground. (See contact information below.)
c. Share Existing Commitments
Organizations already supporting the response are encouraged to communicate their activities. Visibility on existing commitments helps identify gaps, avoid duplication, and maximize collective impact. (See contact information below.)
d. Stay Informed
Businesses are encouraged to rely on official information from SENAPRED, the Government of Chile, and other authorized agencies when planning support activities and response initiatives. See “Other Resources” below for additional links.
Whether you are considering a financial contribution, in-kind assistance or a corporate partnership, CBI and OCHA can help walk you through the options and connect you with the most relevant response channels.
For more information, to discuss support options, or to share your organization’s contributions, contact connectingbusiness@un.org or Elisa Trujillo, CBI Regional Lead for Latin America, at elisa.trujilloleyva@un.org