Waterspout leaves 1 dead, 8 injured, trail of destruction in Chile’s second biggest city

A waterspout has left a trail of destruction in some areas of Greater Concepción, Chile’s second biggest city.

Strong winds and rain, stronger than usual, caused floods, blackouts, traffic disruptions and severe damages in countless homes and buildings.

Eight people were injured and one died, Bío Bío governor Sergio Giacaman confirmed. The victim was identified as a 70-year-old business manager.

According to reports, pictures and videos, gusts reached over 100 kilometers per hour and torn down trees and power lines.

Electric company CGE estimated that the blackout affected approximately 50 thousand clients, including Las Higueras Hospital in Talcahuano, one of the largest health facilities in the area.

Talcahuano mayor Henry Campos said that the most affected area was Brisas del Sol, where a casino is located. Winds stripped off parts of the building’s facade.

Nearby, portions of the roof at Mallplaza Trébol, a shopping center, collapsed. The administration decided to close the mall for the day.

In Concepción, the police patrolled the city center after trees fell on top of cars and debris was piled up on the streets.

Most universities and schools cancelled classes for the day.

President Sebastián Piñera also made changes to his schedule and announced a last-minute trip to Concepción along with the Home secretary, Andrés Chadwick, one day before his public address before Congress.

After hitting Concepción, the storm moved towards the northeast, into the Ñuble region. Chile’s Weather Service issued an alarm for Chillán.

This happened just hours after a tornado ripped through Los Ángeles, a city located to the south east of Concepción.

18 people were injured, 22 homes were damaged and 12 thousand clients had no electricity for hours.

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