Chile is reeling after days of heavy rainfall triggered devastating flooding across the country’s central and southern regions, leaving at least 13 people dead and seven others missing.

The powerful storms have flooded communities, damaged homes, washed out roads and forced thousands of residents to evacuate as rivers and streams continue to rise.

According to Chilean emergency officials, more than 2,200 people have been displaced, while 81 homes have been destroyed and nearly 2,800 others have suffered major damage. Around 87,000 people remain without electricity as recovery efforts continue.

Authorities have warned that weakened riverbanks and waterways remain at risk of overflowing, urging residents in affected areas to remain alert.

The Chilean government has also announced plans to investigate electricity distribution companies over delays in restoring power to thousands of customers.

Schools in several municipalities have suspended classes as emergency crews continue cleanup efforts and assess the damage.

While Chile’s largest copper and lithium mines in the north have largely avoided the worst of the weather, some mining operations have temporarily reduced activity because of the ongoing conditions.

The latest disaster highlights the growing impact that extreme weather events are having across South America, where severe flooding has affected several countries in recent years.