Tornado damages or destroys 150 homes in Linares, Chile

A tornado struck the city of Linares, Maule Region, Chile, during the afternoon of September 20, destroying multiple homes and causing widespread power outages. The event primarily affected the neighborhoods of María del Valle and Parque Oriente.

The twister ripped roofs off multiple homes, uprooted trees and downed power lines across the northeastern sector of Linares.

Linares mayor Mario Meza Vásquez, said in a preliminary statement that around 150 homes have either been destroyed or damaged. Meanwhile, National Disaster Prevention and Response Service (Senapred), has confirmed that at least 83 houses were damaged or destroyed, however damage assessments are ongoing with the number being likely to rise.

Approximately 850 electricity customers were left without power, according to Senapred. Power company crews were deployed to restore service.

Municipal teams, firefighters, and emergency services are working to clear debris and provide assistance to affected households.

The Red Geocientífica de Chile classified the event as an EF-0 tornado, the weakest category on the Enhanced Fujita scale.

EF-0 tornadoes typically produce winds between 105 and 137 km/h (65–85 mph), capable of causing roof damage, broken branches, and minor structural impacts.

Rishav Kothari

I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.

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