Bangkok: Storms caused by the El Ni±o phenomenon have unleashed havoc across northern Chile, with heavy rains triggering landslides and extensive damage in several regions.

According to Thai News Agency, the intensified effects of El Ni±o have resulted in severe weather conditions, leading to widespread destruction in the Tocopilla region. Approximately 60 percent of homes in the area were destroyed, and 724 residents have been evacuated to emergency centers. The severe weather temporarily isolated three parts of Tocopilla city, though highway officials have since managed to restore traffic flow.

The Chilean Interior Ministry reported that this is the 11th disaster since June 13th directly linked to the El Ni±o phenomenon. Meteorologists attribute the heavy rainfall to a locally formed low-pressure system, which has significantly eroded soil, creating deep trenches and causing landslides, a rare occurrence in the region.

In Iquique, the mayor highlighted the unprecedented rainfall in the Tarapaca region, which has forced an additional 47 individuals to seek shelter. The rain has also worsened a chronic sinkhole problem affecting over 1,500 homes, prompting local authorities to urge the central government to declare a state of disaster to expedite emergency assistance. Consequently, the Iquique local education office has closed all schools in the Iquique and Alto Ospicio municipalities for Thursday and Friday, prioritizing the safety of students and teachers.

President Jos© Antonio Cast visited the affected Antofagasta region to evaluate the damage and meet with local officials. He committed to developing a comprehensive plan for rainwater management and housing restoration, emphasizing that all governmental ministries are working urgently to restore transportation, public health, education, and social assistance systems, despite financial constraints.

In the industrial sector, large mines in the north remain operational. Codelco, the state-owned company, and BHP, which manages the world's largest copper reserve, the Escondida mine, confirmed that their production processes were unaffected. Meanwhile, Antofagasta Minerals is closely monitoring weather conditions to ensure worker safety.

Though no fatalities or serious injuries have been reported, residents have suffered significant losses, with homes and possessions built over generations destroyed by the disaster.