Chile assesses damage after deadly storm surge floods coastal city of Penco

A powerful storm surge flooded the Chilean coastal town of Penco on Thursday, July 16, 2026, leaving streets and homes under water. Emergency crews evacuated residents, and authorities warned people to stay away from the shoreline. At least three people died in the surge, according to officials.

Video footage showed flooded roads in the town center, a police officer helping a woman leave her waterlogged home, residents bailing water from their houses with buckets, and damaged boats scattered along the coast as large waves continued to batter the shoreline.

In the Biobío region, seawater inundated homes in the Malaquías Concha and Barrio Chino neighborhoods, forcing evacuations. Wind gusts reached 118 km/h at the Carriel Sur weather station. Nearby Concepción received about 90 mm of rain, and strong winds ripped away part of a shopping center's façade.

Penco Mayor Rodrigo Vera said residents feared the worst as the Pacific surged far beyond its usual limits. As floodwaters began to recede, families started clearing water and debris from their homes, while emergency services assessed the damage.

Police continued to patrol exposed coastal areas as hazardous sea conditions persisted. Forecasters said the rain was expected to ease temporarily before strong winds and heavy rainfall returned by Saturday. Authorities continue to monitor conditions along Chile's central coastline.