An eviction operation in Quebrada de la Zorra, Cerro 18 of Lo Barnechea, started at 6:00 AM Tuesday, turned chaotic with three detained, nine carabineros injured, and two municipal officials threatened. The process aims to remove 30 families from a high-risk area declared by firefighters and the municipality. Authorities highlight offered social support, while residents denounce lack of immediate alternatives.
The eviction in the Cerro 18 takeover began at 6:00 AM with participation from the Presidential Delegation of the RM, 128 Carabineros, Techo-Chile, and 86 municipal officials, along with heavy machinery. Colonel Jaime Parraguez reported initial resistance with throwing of blunt objects and barricades by 25 to 30 people, resulting in nine carabineros injured, one with a mild hand contusion. Two social workers were threatened with death and retained in a house, escaping unharmed; the municipality will file a complaint.
Keys to two forest pools for firefighting were irregularly opened, emptying them and increasing risks, according to delegate Gonzalo Durán: “those pools were irregularly emptied, which prevents any intervention in case of a fire threat”. Durán emphasized the eviction was planned with support in rents, shelters, and transfers; several families left earlier. By midday, the atmosphere was controlled, with census of 15 out of 30 homes.
A 16-year-old girl expressed annoyance: “They forced me out of my house for Christmas and New Year dates”, criticizing the rent subsidy for delays. Mayor Felipe Alessandri defended the procedure: “the municipality has been working with families for a long time... in a highly risky sector”, offering a $340,000 monthly subsidy for 24 months. Isidora García from Techo-Chile regretted: “evictions just displace the problem... families are being displaced from the commune”.
Technical reports describe flood, landslide, and fire risks in the ravine. Over 30 families accepted benefits for safe relocation.