Defense Minister Fernando Barros stated that the life-risk emergency phase has been overcome in the Atacama Region following the frontal system. Over a thousand personnel continue working in the area, and the evacuation of 23 isolated workers at Pascua Lama was completed.
During a visit to Vallenar and Alto del Carmen on Saturday, July 25, Barros noted that affected people have been identified and only minor connectivity issues remain. More than a thousand Armed Forces personnel remain deployed in Atacama and Coquimbo for clearance and recovery work.
Biminister Daniel Mas Valdés confirmed that the remaining 23 workers at the Barrick Chile camp were successfully evacuated and are in good condition. The operation, which began Friday with 16 rescues, concluded on Saturday thanks to improved weather.
In parallel, Undersecretary Nicolás Balmaceda reported that 75 percent of the drinking water supply has been restored in La Serena and Coquimbo, with a goal of reaching 100 percent that same day. The Investigative Police also located three herders in Quebrada Conay, who chose to stay to care for animals.
