Two dead as flash flooding hits Chile Atacama desert region

Reports say flash floods in Chile's Atacama Desert, one of the driest regions in the world have left two people dead and 24 missing.

Thousands of people are now without electricity or water, as heavy rains in the Andes sent flood water down into the valleys and towns below.

Rescuers have begun evacuating people using helicopters because of fears of mud-slides as more rain is expected.  The floods come as southern Chile struggles with huge wildfires following severe drought.

BBC