Santiago Mayor Mario Desbordes reported roof collapses in old buildings in the municipality and extremely serious damage at the Municipal Theatre after Tuesday's storm, according to El Mostrador. So far, no other media outlet has independently confirmed this damage.
Speaking to Radio Bío Bío, Desbordes attributed the collapses to accumulated hail, which blocked the buildings' gutters. "There is extremely serious damage at the theatre," he said. The source does not specify which parts of the venue were affected or whether anyone was injured.
The most critical situation was at two care homes for older adults whose roofs collapsed. The municipality was seeking vehicles to relocate the residents, although the report does not indicate how many people live in those facilities or where they would be taken.
The mayor also reported flooding, traffic congestion and limited public transport in the municipality. He explained that the municipal emergency committee met on Monday, but hail had not been forecast.
Speaking from La Moneda, Minister of the Interior and the General Secretariat of Government (Segegob) Claudio Alvarado said emergency institutions had been activated to assist affected people and homes. According to La Tercera, he said that "the entire emergency apparatus is alert and working".
The National Disaster Prevention and Response Service (Senapred) declared a red alert for the Metropolitan Region. Alvarado reported that the agency was coordinating with the Ministry of Transport on measures concerning the Metro and buses during rush hour, and said decisions would be communicated in a timely manner.
According to the information available to the government, rain would continue until between 21:00 and 22:00 on Tuesday, with lower intensity.
