Massive mudslide hits Villa Santa Lucía in southern Chile, leaving 3 dead, 15 missing

A massive mudslide tore through a small town of Villa Santa Lucía, Palena Province of Los Lagos Region in southern Chile on Saturday, December 16, 2017, burying a vast swath of the town under mud and debris. At least 3 people have been killed and 15 are missing, as of late Saturday.

The mudslide hit the remote town around 11:30 UTC (08:30 local time) Saturday, after 122 mm (4.8 inches) of rain within 24 hours.

It destroyed several homes and roadways, one school and a voting center, authorities said. The slide also damaged approximately 20 houses and started an undetermined number of structural fires.

There are 3 confirmed deaths, two Chilean women and a male tourist of unknown nationality. At least 3 people were injured and 15 others are still missing.

Villa Santa Lucía mudslide, Chile – December 16, 2017. Credit: Min. Obras Publicas

Villa Santa Lucía mudslide, Chile – December 16, 2017. Credit: Sernageomin

Villa Santa Lucía mudslide, Chile – December 16, 2017. Credit: Min. Obras Publicas

Villa Santa Lucía mudslide, Chile – December 16, 2017. Credit: Min. Obras Publicas

Villa Santa Lucía mudslide, Chile – December 16, 2017. Credit: Min. Obras Publicas

Villa Santa Lucía mudslide, Chile – December 16, 2017. Estimated origin and flow projection. Credit: Sernageomin

The Chilean Meteorological Directorate said more rain is expected across the province until midnight (local time) and up to 5 cm (2 inches) of snow overnight at higher elevations where temperatures are expected to drop to 0 °C (32 °F).

A Red Alert is in effect for the entire province.

Featured image: Villa Santa Lucía mudslide, Chile – December 16, 2017. Credit: Min. Obras Publicas