Chile — humanitarian situation

Chile has experienced significant disruption from severe weather events during July 2026, while also managing ongoing migration dynamics and regional health concerns. A major frontal system prompted the government to declare a disaster zone spanning from Atacama to Los Ríos regions, with a State of Constitutional Exception for Huasco province and Coquimbo Region (Cruz Roja Chilena, IFRC). As of late July, approximately 61,000 people remained isolated due to severe storms, with 9,700 still cut off in Coquimbo Region specifically OCHA. Eleven regions reported various emergencies, with authorities issuing 162 emergency evacuation alerts due to river flooding, abnormal tidal surges, and landslides. By early August, approximately 16,400 people had been directly affected by severe weather across the country OCHA. The Chilean Red Cross mobilized response efforts across affected regions, addressing damage to homes and livelihoods. Migration continues as a significant policy focus, with President Antonio Kast advancing a comprehensive migration reform agenda MMC. During the first quarter of 2026, the National Migration Service SERMIG and UNHCR released study results on social integration of refugees and migrants, while the Archdiocese of Santiago facilitated dialogue on human mobility challenges, including labor market integration (R4V). These developments occur as the United States Supreme Court approved several migration policies affecting the region, including elimination of temporary protection status and asylum restrictions at the border, which may influence regional migration patterns. Food security conditions show mixed indicators. The 2026 wheat crop area is preliminarily forecast at below-average levels, with planting ongoing in Bío-Bío, Ñuble, and Araucanía regions, while maize plantings reached record lows FAO. Cereal import requirements for 2026/27 are anticipated slightly above average, though wheat grain prices in June 2026 remained lower year-on-year due to substantial imports. Regional health authorities face increasing measles transmission, with 43,500 confirmed cases across Latin America and the Caribbean in 2026—3.8 times higher than 2025 OCHA. PAHO/WHO issued an epidemiological alert urging Member States to strengthen surveillance and vaccination activities. The World Meteorological Organization forecasts El Niño will intensify into a strong event between August and October 2026, increasing likelihood of above-normal temperatures across much of South America OCHA.