The life-threatening phase of the emergency in Chile's Atacama region has been declared over, according to Defense Minister Fernando Barros.
The minister made the assessment after leading a new humanitarian aid flight by the Chilean Air Force and touring the affected municipalities of Vallenar and Alto del Carmen alongside national and regional authorities.
He warned that infrastructure damage and logistical hurdles persist, requiring continued state intervention.
Barros emphasized that while the immediate risk to human life has subsided, significant challenges remain.
He warned that infrastructure damage and logistical hurdles persist, requiring continued state intervention.
More than 1,000 military personnel remain deployed in Atacama and neighboring regions to support ongoing relief efforts and maintain order.
The development marks a pivotal transition for the region, which is a critical hub for Chile's mining industry.