Yellow Alert Declared in Ñuble Region Due to Increased River Flows
This Friday, the Ñuble region Public Works Seremi, Paulo De la Fuente Paredes, provided an update on the preventive early warning issued by the frontal system affecting the region. The Seremi emphasized the significant increase in river flows in the past few hours, leading Senapred to declare a yellow alert in 11 communes.
According to De la Fuente Paredes, the region has experienced 30.2 millimeters of rainfall in the last 24 hours, bringing the cumulative rainfall to 209.8 millimeters. Despite this, the region still faces a deficit of 53% compared to a normal year. The Coihueco reservoir, with a filling of 10 million cubic meters, also continues to suffer from a 46% deficit. The Andean area has only recorded rain, without any snowfall.
The Seremi highlighted that the recent rains have caused floods with flows exceeding the yellow alert threshold. The Ñuble River at the San Fabián 2 station, the Chillán River in Esperanza 2, and the Diguillín River in San Lorenzo are experiencing flows above the yellow alert threshold. However, the Ñuble River in La Punilla 2 remains at the blue threshold, and the Canal de la Luz in Chillán, as well as the Itata River in Nueva Aldea, Paso Hondo, and Coelemu, are not at risk of overflowing.
In response to the situation, Senapred has declared a yellow alert in 11 communes: Bulnes, El Carmen, Pemuco, Pinto, San Ignacio, San Fabián, San Carlos, Coihueco, Chillán, San Nicolás, and Portezuelo. This alert aims to maintain preventive measures for possible overflows, which will continue to be monitored closely.
The MOP authority also provided an update on the road situation in the region. A landslide occurred on Route N-55 kilometer 72 in the Las Trancas sector of Pinto, causing disruption in the west to east direction. Emergency personnel from the Global maintenance company, responsible for the MOP’s Highway Department, worked to clear the route, and monitoring efforts are ongoing in the sector. Additionally, a fallen tree on the main route of Coihueco was cleared with the assistance of the municipality and firefighters.
De la Fuente Paredes also highlighted a successful solution to a common conflict point in San Carlos. Last year, the N-280 route in San Carlos had to be closed twice due to the growth of the estuary on the Las Juntas bridge. However, this year, the old wooden bridge was dismantled, and a mechanical bridge was installed by road professionals, ensuring the connectivity of Las Juntas, Reloca, and Pichoco without any issues.
Regarding the state of roads, De la Fuente Paredes reported an accident in the Ránquil sector on the Itata highway, where a vehicle hit the containment median. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Additionally, the removal of a truck trailer that overturned at kilometer 35.7 on the same route has begun. The Seremi urged drivers to exercise caution, drive defensively, and respect speed limits.
Finally, the Seremi mentioned that the Hydraulic Works Directorate is actively monitoring 16 SSR with surface collection in Coelemu, Coihueco, Pinto, Quirihue, Ránquil, San Fabián, Tehuaco, and Yungay. Currently, there are no reported issues in these areas.
The authorities will continue to closely monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of the residents in the affected communes.
What measures are in place to effectively respond to the increased river flows and prevent the impact of floods in flood-prone areas
Tain a state of readiness and coordination among the communities, emergency services, and authorities, in order to effectively respond to any potential emergencies or risks.
The Public Works Seremi reassured the public that contingency plans are in place to minimize the impact of the increased river flows. He encouraged residents to stay informed through official channels and to follow the instructions and recommendations of emergency services.
Additionally, De la Fuente Paredes urged caution to those living in flood-prone areas, advising them to take preventive measures such as securing their belongings and being prepared to evacuate if necessary. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing personal safety and contacting the relevant authorities in case of emergencies.
The Seremi concluded by stating that weather conditions are being closely monitored, and updates will be provided as necessary.
This article highlights the devastating effects of the fall of rocky material and floodwaters in Ñuble. It is a sobering reminder of the destructive power of nature and the need for adequate measures to prevent such disasters in the future.