Casualties expected to increase in wake of Chile floods

(Vatican Radio) The death toll from torrential rains, followed by massive flooding, in Northern Chile, is likely to significantly increase, as water levels reduce and access to isolated areas again becomes feasible.

Listen to James Blears’ report: 

Chile's Ministry of the Interior confirms 17 deaths with 20 missing. However more tan 80 people are unofficially reported missing, and authorities concede that more deaths will be surely be discovered,  as flood waters subside and emergency services crews reach more remote areas, which have been cut off, up to now.

Northern Chile has been declared a Disaster Zone by the National Government, after the heaviest rains in almost a hundred years.  The Atacama Desert, which is normally one of the most arid areas in the World, has been severely flooded.  Fourteen deaths have been confirmed in this region.
More than  26,000 people have been obliged to leave  their homes. Many are still in emergency shelters.  Structural repairs will cost millions and take years . Human loss of life cannot be calculated or quantified in these terms, in a developing and unfolding crisis. President Michelle Bachelet says the Outlook appears to be bleak.