The Ministry of Health declared a Health Alert for the entire Metropolitan Region this Saturday, October 17, to remain in effect for 45 days. The aim is to strengthen the health system's response to possible mudslides caused by rain expected in central Chile.
According to CNN Chile, the decree was published in the Official Gazette. It follows alerts and advisories from the Chilean Meteorological Directorate (DMC) over a new frontal system that could bring hail and thunderstorms.
The sources give somewhat different dates for the rain. CNN Chile places the frontal system between Sunday night, October 18, and Wednesday, October 21. BioBioChile, citing DMC advisories, gives a period between Monday, October 19, and Wednesday, October 21. On X, the DMC issued an alert for moderate to heavy rainfall in parts of Coquimbo, Valparaíso, the Metropolitan Region, O'Higgins and Maule, from the afternoon through the night of Tuesday, October 20.
The Health Ministry explained that the decree takes particular account of the October 8 mudslide in San Carlos de Apoquindo, in the municipality of Las Condes. That event damaged health facilities, homes and infrastructure. BioBioChile, meanwhile, quotes the ministry referring to the October 6 frontal system, which caused mudslides, rising water levels in waterways and flooding in several municipalities.
“The experience of recent days shows us that we must be prepared to respond quickly,” said Health Minister May Chomali. She also warned that accumulated water, mud and damage to homes could create new health risks. She added that special attention would be given to older people, children, pregnant women and people receiving ongoing treatment.
In practice, the alert grants special powers to the Undersecretariats of Public Health and Healthcare Networks, the Metropolitan Regional Health Secretariat and the region's health services. This allows them to hire and redeploy staff under exceptional arrangements, purchase supplies and medicines more quickly, and open modular care facilities.
The decree also strengthens epidemiological surveillance, the systematic monitoring of diseases to detect outbreaks early. It also facilitates the delivery of medicines in affected areas and coordination with public and private entities.
The ministry explained its concerns. Flooding, mud, possible contamination of water and food, and sanitation problems can increase the risk of gastrointestinal diseases, respiratory infections and other complications.
The Health Ministry therefore recommends avoiding contact with contaminated water, not consuming food that has been exposed to flooding, and staying informed through official channels. The alert will remain in effect until late November, 45 days after its publication.
