Heavy rains and powerful swells flood Chile's coastal city of Arauco

Heavy rains and abnormally high waves flood coastal communities in southern Chile, inundating homes, streets and fishing areas in the town of Arauco. Residents assessed the damage as the storm, which began on Wednesday and is expected to last until at least Sunday, has left more than half a million without power.

The rainfall rate has been so severe (exceeding 10 to 20 mm per hour in some zones) that authorities immediately warned of widespread flash flooding, overflowing rivers, and dangerous mudslides.