SANTIAGO, Chile — As Chile prepares for an approaching winter storm system, the Association of Municipalities of Chile (Amuch) held a high-level coordination meeting with the National Disaster Prevention and Response Service (Senapred) to strengthen municipal emergency response measures.
The discussions focused on improving collaboration among municipalities, national agencies, and private service providers to better protect residents during severe weather events.
Power Companies Face Pressure Over Response Times
A central topic in the meeting was the performance of electric utilities during past emergencies. José Manuel Palacios, mayor of La Reina, expressed concern over delayed responses from power companies in recent years.
“We are exploring ways, together with Senapred and other institutions, to develop more efficient actions and hold the companies accountable to meet the response times our residents need,” Palacios said.
Rural Water Supply Risks Tied to Electricity
For rural municipalities, electrical outages pose a dual threat, as potable water systems often rely on electric power. Paula Gárate, mayor of Melipilla, emphasized the heightened vulnerability of rural areas during storms.
“Losing electricity also means losing access to potable water. Many rural water systems depend on electricity, and that remains our greatest concern,” Gárate noted.
Coordinated Municipal Efforts to Mitigate Risks
Senapred Director Alicia Cebrián highlighted the essential role of municipal governments in both preparation and response phases.
“Municipalities play a crucial role in coordination, information gathering, and implementing mitigation works to reduce the impact of winter threats on residents,” Cebrián stated.
She underscored that emergency prevention and mitigation is a shared responsibility across public agencies and institutions. “Public authorities who are directly involved in disaster management bear this responsibility, and we are committed to fulfilling it,” she added.
Winter System Expected to Test Emergency Readiness
The coordination meeting comes as Chile’s central regions brace for a frontal system expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds. Authorities emphasized that ongoing preparation and inter-agency cooperation will be key to minimizing disruption and protecting vulnerable communities.
