AMERICA/CHILE - Warning of the overflowing of the rivers in the north and south of the country: thousands of people harmed

Santiago (Agenzia Fides) - More than a thousand people have been affected by heavy rains that are breaking down in the northern part of the country. In the southern region of Magallanes y Antártica a violent storm, considered the worst in the last 22 years, has caused the flooding of the Las Minas River running through the center of the city of Punta Arenas, 3,000 km south of Santiago. Substantial property damage to families. Meanwhile, in the northern region of Arica-Parinacota, 2000 km north of Santiago, the intensity of the rainfall has made the river San Jose overflow, causing the evacuation of about 300 people and damages to 260. According to local sources, in 30 hours, almost one third of the total predicted rainfall throughout the year fell, causing various flooding. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 15/3/2012)