Chile hit by ‘white earthquake’ of heavy snow
A “white earthquake” of heavy snow has blanketed parts of Chile leading the government to declare a “disaster area” in eight municipalities where around 16,000 people were left isolated.
Temperatures plunged to as low as -23 C (-9.4F) in some rural areas as severe snowfall wreaked havoc, leaving people without food supplies, mobile phone signals or radio communications.
Miguel Mellado, governor of the province of Cautin, said that in four days from Sunday to Wednesday the area had seen “four months worth of snowfall.”
In the town of Lonquimay, around 350 miles south of the capital Santiago, more than 6,500 people were trapped in their homes after snow piled up to 2.3 metres (7ft 6ins), while in surrounding rural areas it was reported to have reached 9ft.
h/t to Marc Morano
Wow, that’s some serious snow.
“There’s no business like snow business….”
White Earthquake! I guess this winter we will have Snownamis all over the northern hemisphere.
Sure it is snowing and the snow is heaver than average, Meaningless BTW, but long term records will probably show this is within bounds of natural variation for the region.