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| Millions without water in Chile capital, Santiago | Millions without water in Chile capital, Santiago |
| (about 9 hours later) | |
| Rainstorms and landslides in Chile have contaminated a major river forcing the authorities to cut off drinking water to four million people in the capital, Santiago. | Rainstorms and landslides in Chile have contaminated a major river forcing the authorities to cut off drinking water to four million people in the capital, Santiago. |
| Officials said the water supply from the Maipo river would be cut to most of the city until the water flowed clear. | Officials said the water supply from the Maipo river would be cut to most of the city until the water flowed clear. |
| People stocked up on bottled water and the authorities ordered restaurants and businesses to remain closed. | People stocked up on bottled water and the authorities ordered restaurants and businesses to remain closed. |
| Officials also postponed the start of the school term on Monday. | Officials also postponed the start of the school term on Monday. |
| Emergency personnel said the water rushing down from the Andes had also cut roads and isolated thousands of people. | Emergency personnel said the water rushing down from the Andes had also cut roads and isolated thousands of people. |
| The regional governor of Santiago, Claudio Orrego, said: "We are talking about 1.45 million homes that are going to be affected by the cutting off of the water supply, which will be total or partial in 30 districts." | |
| "We still do not know when the drinking water will be turned back on. We cannot guarantee resumption of the service until the River Maipo clears up." | |
| They said the return of water services would depend on weather conditions and storms over the mountains causing heavy rain. | They said the return of water services would depend on weather conditions and storms over the mountains causing heavy rain. |
| At least four people are known to have died in the floods. | At least four people are known to have died in the floods. |
| Chile's central region has had months of drought and a series of deadly wildfires which burned for weeks. | Chile's central region has had months of drought and a series of deadly wildfires which burned for weeks. |