Background on Puerto Varas and its Significance
Puerto Varas, a charming city located approximately 1,000 kilometers south of Santiago, Chile’s capital, experienced an unprecedented tornado on Sunday. This rare event has left eight people injured and around 150 homes affected, as reported by local authorities.
Tornado Details and Impact
The tornado, classified as EF-1 on the Fujita scale – second least intense – struck Puerto Varas at 15:31 local time (19:31 GMT). Winds reached speeds between 138 and 187 kilometers per hour, causing significant damage.
Mayor Tomás Gárate of Puerto Varas confirmed in a local radio interview that there were no fatalities or individuals at risk of dying. However, he emphasized the extent of the damage, stating that approximately 150 homes were affected.
Paulina Muñoz, the presidential delegate in the Los Lagos region, reported that around 21,000 people lost electricity due to fallen trees and power lines.
Visual Evidence and Damage Assessment
Social media videos, shared by local television channels, captured the tornado lifting lightweight debris as it passed through Puerto Varas’ city center. The most significant damages were reported in rooftops, trees, electrical poles, and vehicles.
Meteorological Explanation
According to the Official Meteorological Service of Chile, the tornado was “triggered by instability generated by a cold front system.”
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: How many people were injured in the tornado? A: Eight people were injured.
- Q: Were there any fatalities reported? A: No fatalities were reported.
- Q: How many homes were affected by the tornado? A: Approximately 150 homes were damaged.
- Q: How many people lost electricity due to the tornado? A: Around 21,000 people lost power.
- Q: What caused the tornado in Puerto Varas? A: The tornado was triggered by instability generated by a cold front system, according to the Official Meteorological Service of Chile.
