Watch: Flooded towns and evacuations as Chile hit by heavy rain

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Close Officials in Chile have declared a state of catastrophe in the Coquimbo region, and the province of Huasco, after heavy rains triggered floods and mudslides.

At least five people are reported to have died, say local mayors. Chile's disaster response service, Senapred, said the extreme weather has left thousands affected, with more than 99,000 people isolated and several people missing nationwide.

Areas of Coquimbo recorded historic rainfall, including more than 200mm at Cerro Tololo, according to Chile's meteorological authorities.

President José Antonio Kast said the government had decided to activate the constitutional state of catastrophe after evaluating the emergency.

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