Chilean scientists have rediscovered a species of frog last seen more than 80 years ago, prompting new calls for the conservation of its habitat in the far-flung Chilean desert.

Hall's water frog rediscovered by Chilean scientists

Chilean scientists rediscover 'ghost' frog in far-flung desert hot spring

This is the year of remarkable discoveries. Recently&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/egypt-announces-discovery-of-27-coffins-buried-2500-years-ago-329084">Egypt discovered&nbsp;27 coffins buried 2,500 years ago</a>&nbsp;and Siberian scientists discovered <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/russia-39000-year-old-cave-bears-remains-found-intact-in-siberia-327171">39,000-year-old cave bear's remains</a>.

Now, Chilean scientists have added to the list by rediscovering a&nbsp;species of frog which was last seen more than 80 years ago.

This has raised the topic of the discovery made by&nbsp;American researcher and collector Frank Gregory Hall who had discovered the species in 1935 which was named as&nbsp;Hall’s water frog. He had discovered the species&nbsp;in a tiny hot spring oasis near Ollagüe in Chile’s Atacama desert.

This discovery has pointed that the ghost species is the same as the one discovered by Hall.

“We asked the museum where Hall’s (discovery) is registered. ... They sent us photographs of the larvae, photographs, comparisons, drawings,” said César Cuevas, a researcher with the Catholic University of Temuco.

Researchers continue to work to establish the frog’s taxanomic ties to other species found in the region in order to determine how different, and therefore, how rare, it really is, Cuevas said.

The main aim of the scientists is to protect its habitat as the increasing mining and tourism industry can face a threat to this aquatic species. “These animals are strictly aquatic. In just five minutes out of the water, they die,” Cuevas said.

The research was published in the journal Zootaxa.

This is the year of remarkable discoveries. Recently Egypt discovered 27 coffins buried 2,500 years ago and Siberian scientists discovered 39,000-year-old cave bear's remains.

This is the year of remarkable discoveries. Recently Egypt discovered 27 coffins buried 2,500 years ago and Siberian scientists discovered 39,000-year-old cave bear's remains. Now, Chilean scientists have added to the list by rediscovering a species of frog which was last seen more than 80 years ago. This has raised the topic of the discovery made by American researcher and collector Frank Gregory Hall who had discovered the species in 1935 which was named as Hall’s water frog. He had discovered the species in a tiny hot spring oasis near Ollagüe in Chile’s Atacama desert. This discovery has pointed that the ghost species is the same as the one discovered by Hall. “We asked the museum where Hall’s (discovery) is registered. ... They sent us photographs of the larvae, photographs, comparisons, drawings,” said César Cuevas, a researcher with the Catholic University of Temuco. Researchers continue to work to establish the frog’s taxanomic ties to other species found in the region in order to determine how different, and therefore, how rare, it really is, Cuevas said. The main aim of the scientists is to protect its habitat as the increasing mining and tourism industry can face a threat to this aquatic species. “These animals are strictly aquatic. In just five minutes out of the water, they die,” Cuevas said. The research was published in the journal Zootaxa.

Chilean researchers rediscover species of 'ghost' frog that was found decades ago

Demonstrators and police clashed in the Chilean capital Santiago, during the 47th commemoration march of the military coup that ousted the government of Salvador Allende on Septermber 11, 1973.

Clashes during memorial of 1973 military coup in Chile, protesters demands new constitution

Police fires water cannons to disperse protesters in Chile. Hundreds of people took to streets despite of virus scare in the Chilean capital of Santiago. Demonstrators banged pots to show their support for the constitutional plebiscite happening in October. The plebiscite was originally scheduled to be held in April but was delayed due to Coronavirus.

Police fires water cannons to disperse protesters in Chile

Hundreds of people took to streets despite of virus scare in the Chilean capital of Santiago. Demonstrators banged pots to show their support for the constitutional plebiscite happening in October. The plebiscite was originally scheduled to be held in April but was delayed due to Coronavirus.

Hundreds of Chileans protest to show support for Plebiscite

Chile has slapped a record $6.6 million fine on a Norwegian salmon producer for the 2018 escape of 690,000 antibiotic-fed fish.

The fine, handed to salmon farming company Mowi, was the largest ever for an environmental offence in the country.

Chile's environmental protection service said Friday the humongous charge of 5.3 billion pesos ($6.6 million) was in response to the "irreparable environmental damage produced by the mass escape of salmon" from the Punta Redonda farm in Chile's Los Lagos region, around 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) south of the capital Santiago. The service also handed the company an additional 2.7 million peso fine "for not having adequate facilities to dispose of dead fish."

The salmon were given antibiotics that are unsuitable for human consumption. They escaped after their cages were damaged by a storm.

The escape poses an environmental risk because the fish are an invasive and predatory species which are likely to cause a reduction in the number of endemic species in the region and alter the marine habitat, the service said.

It added that the salmon also present a risk to the wild fauna and salmon from other farms due to the possibility of transmitting pathogens and disease.

The Chilean salmon industry, the second largest in the world, uses 1,400 times more antibiotics per tonne than farms in Norway.

Chile has slapped a record $6.6 million fine on a Norwegian salmon producer for the 2018 escape of 690,000 antibiotic-fed fish. The fine, handed to salmon farming company Mowi, was the largest ever for an environmental offence in the country.

Chile has slapped a record $6.6 million fine on a Norwegian salmon producer for the 2018 escape of 690,000 antibiotic-fed fish. The fine, handed to salmon farming company Mowi, was the largest ever for an environmental offence in the country. Chile's environmental protection service said Friday the humongous charge of 5.3 billion pesos ($6.6 million) was in response to the "irreparable environmental damage produced by the mass escape of salmon" from the Punta Redonda farm in Chile's Los Lagos region, around 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) south of the capital Santiago. The service also handed the company an additional 2.7 million peso fine "for not having adequate facilities to dispose of dead fish." The salmon were given antibiotics that are unsuitable for human consumption. They escaped after their cages were damaged by a storm. The escape poses an environmental risk because the fish are an invasive and predatory species which are likely to cause a reduction in the number of endemic species in the region and alter the marine habitat, the service said. It added that the salmon also present a risk to the wild fauna and salmon from other farms due to the possibility of transmitting pathogens and disease. The Chilean salmon industry, the second largest in the world, uses 1,400 times more antibiotics per tonne than farms in Norway.

Chile slaps huge fine on Norwegian salmon producer

A stranger disguised as Batman is prowling the streets of Santiago delivering food to the homeless, providing sustenance and light-hearted solace to those in need following months of lockdown in the Chilean capital.

"Batman" prowls streets of Santiago delivering food to homeless

Elderly living in Chile's capital of Santiago were able to leave their homes on Saturday (July 25), after months of lockdown to stem the tide of coronavirus infections in the South American country.

Chile: The elderly in Santiago venture out after months

Chileans are having to say goodbye to their loved ones without viewing their loved ones for the last time and in short ceremonies due to the large number of daily funerals amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Chile virus deaths prompt short crematorium services

One of the greatest cruelties of COVID-19 -- an illness that has killed almost half a million people worldwide -- is that many have died alone.

Chile hospital invites in COVID patients' families, gives them rare chance to say goodbye

As Chile reels from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, at least one business there is booming - the production of coffins. Coffin manufacturers are boosting production twice or three times over in a bid to keep pace with demand.

Coffin makers struggle to meet demand in Chile

Chile Finance Minister Ignacio Briones announced a fresh, two-year, $12 billion citizen support and economic stimulus package to overcome the effects of the coronavirus outbreak after reaching a cross-party agreement in the early hours of Sunday.

Briones said Chile was experiencing a "unique moment" in its history as it faces the toughest weeks of fighting the pandemic, and that the only way out of it was through working together to offer its citizens "a sign of hope." 
The announcement comes after weeks of political infighting and criticism of the government`s handling of the crisis by medical experts, as confirmed coronavirus cases per 100,000 citizens reached global levels only surpassed by small nations like Qatar.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chile-deploys-military-to-safeguard-lockdown-amid-surging-coronavirus-cases-305536">Also watch:&nbsp;Chile deploys military to safeguard lockdown amid surging Coronavirus cases</a>

On Saturday, Chile President Sebastian Pinera removed the health minister, Jaime Manalich, who had been criticized for failing to implement lockdowns sooner, and for changes to case and death reporting methodology.

Medical unions and members of the citizen advisory group convened by government said they hoped for a more "consensual style" and a change of strategy from the new minister, Enrique Paris.

The economic plan, funded by a mix of budget reallocations, sovereign funds and debt issuance, includes bolstered emergency benefits for Chile`s most vulnerable families from payments of 65,000 Chilean pesos to 100,000 ($126) per person.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chile-tops-2000-dead-from-covid-19-304090">Also read:&nbsp;Chile tops 2,000 dead from COVID-19</a>

It will increase funding for local governments, civil society organizations and health services, and offers unemployment protection for parents and those who care for young children, Briones said.

The minister added in a statement on Twitter that behind the plan was "a permanent source of employment and income for millions of families, ventures, projects and dreams."

The plan is the latest in a series announced by government adding up to around 5% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP) that also offered loans and tax breathers to small and medium-sized businesses.

Opposition groups have said the plans do not go far enough or reach enough of the people in direst need. Chile`s far-left Democratic Revolution party, founded by leaders of the 2011 student protests, refused to agree to the latest plan.

Chile Finance Minister Ignacio Briones announced a fresh, two-year, $12 billion citizen support and economic stimulus package to overcome the effects of the coronavirus outbreak after reaching a cross-party agreement in the early hours of Sunday.

Chile Finance Minister Ignacio Briones announced a fresh, two-year, $12 billion citizen support and economic stimulus package to overcome the effects of the coronavirus outbreak after reaching a cross-party agreement in the early hours of Sunday. Briones said Chile was experiencing a "unique moment" in its history as it faces the toughest weeks of fighting the pandemic, and that the only way out of it was through working together to offer its citizens "a sign of hope." The announcement comes after weeks of political infighting and criticism of the government`s handling of the crisis by medical experts, as confirmed coronavirus cases per 100,000 citizens reached global levels only surpassed by small nations like Qatar. Also watch: Chile deploys military to safeguard lockdown amid surging Coronavirus cases On Saturday, Chile President Sebastian Pinera removed the health minister, Jaime Manalich, who had been criticized for failing to implement lockdowns sooner, and for changes to case and death reporting methodology. Medical unions and members of the citizen advisory group convened by government said they hoped for a more "consensual style" and a change of strategy from the new minister, Enrique Paris. The economic plan, funded by a mix of budget reallocations, sovereign funds and debt issuance, includes bolstered emergency benefits for Chile`s most vulnerable families from payments of 65,000 Chilean pesos to 100,000 ($126) per person. Also read: Chile tops 2,000 dead from COVID-19 It will increase funding for local governments, civil society organizations and health services, and offers unemployment protection for parents and those who care for young children, Briones said. The minister added in a statement on Twitter that behind the plan was "a permanent source of employment and income for millions of families, ventures, projects and dreams." The plan is the latest in a series announced by government adding up to around 5% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP) that also offered loans and tax breathers to small and medium-sized businesses. Opposition groups have said the plans do not go far enough or reach enough of the people in direst need. Chile`s far-left Democratic Revolution party, founded by leaders of the 2011 student protests, refused to agree to the latest plan.

Chilean congress agrees to $12 billion emergency coronavirus plan

Coronavirus cases have been on a steep rise in the western South American country, Chile, despite lockdowns being initiated.

Health Minister Jaime Manalich Friday reported 4,207 new infections and 92 deaths in the past 24 hours.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-india-crosses-23-lakh-mark-with-9887-new-cases-and-6642-deaths-303758">Also read|&nbsp;COVID 19: India crosses 2.3 lakh mark with 9,887 new cases and 6,642 deaths</a>

Chile's capital,&nbsp;Santiago, has been under a strict lockdown for the past three weeks, now entering into the fourth week. However, the steep increase in the number of positive cases and COVID related deaths is a growing concern for the government.

While a strict lockdown was initiated, questions are being raised on the implementation of the lockdown now. According to reports and local media, the lockdown has so far only managed to restrict 30 per cent of movement in the capital, as a large number of permits have been issued to the apparent&nbsp;essential workers.

While the government is being blamed for distribution of movement passes, partial blame is also being assigned to the workers of&nbsp;the informal economy, who have continued to&nbsp;ignore the ban.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chilean-youth-flaunting-guidelines-pose-coronavirus-risk-301850">Also watch|&nbsp;Chilean youth flaunting guidelines pose coronavirus risk</a>

The government said it will step up checks, reasoning that for containment to be effective, movement has to be restricted by 50 percent.

“The decision was made to supervise quarantine compliance in the metropolitan region much more intensively now, given the number of cases,” Manalich told reporters.

He also assured the masses that the rapid tests for the novel coronavirus will be increased, and the country will also start rapid saliva tests.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-raises-alarm-over-surge-in-coronavirus-cases-in-latin-america-301295">Also read:&nbsp;WHO raises alarm over surge in coronavirus cases in Latin America</a>

“We already know that saliva shows much more sensitive information than bronchial swabs, and this is safer for health personnel and more efficient,” he said.

Total number of cases is near 122,000 with 1,448 reported deaths. However, experts believe the number of COVID-related deaths is higher.&nbsp;

Experts believe more than 700 deaths remain uncounted as few people died without testing positive in April and May.

(With inputs from agencies)

Coronavirus cases have been on a steep rise in the western South American country, Chile, despite lockdowns being initiated. Health Minister Jaime Manalich Friday reported 4,207 new infections and 92 deaths in the past 24 hours.

Coronavirus cases have been on a steep rise in the western South American country, Chile, despite lockdowns being initiated. Health Minister Jaime Manalich Friday reported 4,207 new infections and 92 deaths in the past 24 hours. Also read| COVID 19: India crosses 2.3 lakh mark with 9,887 new cases and 6,642 deaths Chile's capital, Santiago, has been under a strict lockdown for the past three weeks, now entering into the fourth week. However, the steep increase in the number of positive cases and COVID related deaths is a growing concern for the government. While a strict lockdown was initiated, questions are being raised on the implementation of the lockdown now. According to reports and local media, the lockdown has so far only managed to restrict 30 per cent of movement in the capital, as a large number of permits have been issued to the apparent essential workers. While the government is being blamed for distribution of movement passes, partial blame is also being assigned to the workers of the informal economy, who have continued to ignore the ban. Also watch| Chilean youth flaunting guidelines pose coronavirus risk The government said it will step up checks, reasoning that for containment to be effective, movement has to be restricted by 50 percent. “The decision was made to supervise quarantine compliance in the metropolitan region much more intensively now, given the number of cases,” Manalich told reporters. He also assured the masses that the rapid tests for the novel coronavirus will be increased, and the country will also start rapid saliva tests. Also read: WHO raises alarm over surge in coronavirus cases in Latin America “We already know that saliva shows much more sensitive information than bronchial swabs, and this is safer for health personnel and more efficient,” he said. Total number of cases is near 122,000 with 1,448 reported deaths. However, experts believe the number of COVID-related deaths is higher. Experts believe more than 700 deaths remain uncounted as few people died without testing positive in April and May. (With inputs from agencies)

Chile: COVID-19 deaths increase by 53% in one week, total cases now 122,000

In Chile coronavirus death toll has risen to 50% in the past week, despite a 3-week lockdown in the capital city of Santiago. Watch report.

Chile witnesses sudden surge in COVID-19 deaths

Latin America is on the way to becoming the new epicentre of the coronavirus pandemic after Brazil and Mexico record spike in coronavirus deaths.&nbsp;

Brazil has recorded 1,349 coronavirus deaths in 24 hours whereas Mexico has recorded more than 1,000 deaths in one day for the first time. Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro has opposed the lockdown in the country, but many local authorities have defied him and have placed Bahia state under curfew.&nbsp;

The Chilean government has decided to extend their lockdown in their capital city Santiago for three weeks due to surge in daily deaths.&nbsp;

In Peru, which is also the second worst-hit Latin American country has seen residents lining up to buy oxygen tanks for their loved ones.

"We haven't found oxygen yet," said Lady Savalla in the capital Lima.

"I'm worried about my mom more than anything else because she's going to need a lot of oxygen and the hospital doesn't have enough."

Coronavirus cases have crossed 6.5 million mark worldwide, taking positive patients toll to &nbsp;6,513,301 with 386,091 deaths while &nbsp;2,808,183 have recovered, according to Johns Hopkins University's report.

United States, Spain, Russia, India, UK, Germany, Brazil, Italy, France are among the worst-hit countries having maximum cases of coronavirus and the numbers are increasing every day.

The US has the highest number of confirmed cases and deaths. It recorded 107,148 deaths and 1,851,530 cases so far. In the US, New York alone counted 30,019 deaths till date.

Latin America is on the way to becoming the new epicentre of the coronavirus pandemic after Brazil and Mexico record spike in coronavirus deaths. Brazil has recorded 1,349 coronavirus deaths in 24 hours whereas Mexico has recorded more than 1,000 deaths in one day for the first time.

Latin America is on the way to becoming the new epicentre of the coronavirus pandemic after Brazil and Mexico record spike in coronavirus deaths. Brazil has recorded 1,349 coronavirus deaths in 24 hours whereas Mexico has recorded more than 1,000 deaths in one day for the first time. Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro has opposed the lockdown in the country, but many local authorities have defied him and have placed Bahia state under curfew. The Chilean government has decided to extend their lockdown in their capital city Santiago for three weeks due to surge in daily deaths. In Peru, which is also the second worst-hit Latin American country has seen residents lining up to buy oxygen tanks for their loved ones. "We haven't found oxygen yet," said Lady Savalla in the capital Lima. "I'm worried about my mom more than anything else because she's going to need a lot of oxygen and the hospital doesn't have enough." Coronavirus cases have crossed 6.5 million mark worldwide, taking positive patients toll to 6,513,301 with 386,091 deaths while 2,808,183 have recovered, according to Johns Hopkins University's report. United States, Spain, Russia, India, UK, Germany, Brazil, Italy, France are among the worst-hit countries having maximum cases of coronavirus and the numbers are increasing every day. The US has the highest number of confirmed cases and deaths. It recorded 107,148 deaths and 1,851,530 cases so far. In the US, New York alone counted 30,019 deaths till date.

Latin America witnesses surge in coronavirus cases

Chilean authorities are calling on young people to respect the measures imposed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus and say that over 50% of coronavirus cases are people under 40-years-old.

Chilean youth flaunting guidelines pose coronavirus risk

Chile ordered a mandatory total quarantine for the capital Santiago's seven million people Wednesday after authorities reported a 60 percent spike in coronavirus infections in 24 hours

Total lockdown for Chile capital after surge in COVID-19 cases

Chile witnessed overnight spike of 60% on COVID-19 cases. 2,660 cases were reported in single day on Wednesday.

Chile witness overnight spike of 60% on COVID-19 cases; 2,660 cases in single day

A study has revealed that nearly one in five children in the United States are not getting enough food to eat due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The Brookings Institution has found that more than 17 per cent of mothers with children less than 12 years of age reported that their kids were not eating enough due to lack of money.

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After recording over 10,000 cases for 4 days in a row, Russia on Thursday recorded another record jump in the number of cases. 11,231 new cases were recorded in 24 hours. Taking the total number of cases in the country to over 177,000.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-reports-record-high-coronavirus-cases-infections-rise-in-moscow-297223" hreflang="en">Russia reports record high coronavirus cases; infections rise in Moscow</a>

Moscow has imposed new virus restrictions and ramped up testing.

Syria has postponed a parliamentary election for a second time to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

The Syrian government has recorded 44 cases, including three deaths in areas under its control, while the Kurdish administration in northeastern Syria has reported three cases, including one death.

The election scheduled for May 20 has now been pushed back to July 19.

Six members of the police force in Bangladesh have lost their lives due to COVID-19. Over a thousand are receiving treatment at the central police hospital in Dhaka. Another 1,260 are in quarantine at home and 1,089 are in isolation.

The police have promised to pay $12,000 to the families of any members who succumb to the disease. In addition to other government remuneration.

Firefighters have designed a disinfection station in northwestern Spain to contain the spread of the coronavirus. The portable station will make it easier for health staff to disinfect their protective equipment by simply standing under the structure. The station is made at a cost of under 300 euros.&nbsp;

A team of engineers in Indonesia have produced a compact ventilator in two months. Which will be sold at a fraction of the usual cost. The machines are the size of a mini-oven and have been assembled using household materials.

The team aims to sell the machines for less than $1,000 each which is way less than the typical $20,000 to $25,000. They hope that this will accelerate the fight against the virus and tackle the shortage of ventilators.

Priests in chile have been holding confession drive-throughs. Outside a catholic school in Santiago. Wearing face masks, the priests hear confessions while others wait for their turn in their cars.

A new Banksy artwork celebrates the contribution of health care workers. The mural by the anonymous artist shows a young boy choosing a nurse as his superhero -- over conventional superheroes like batman and spiderman. The painting was unveiled at the University Hospital Southampton in southern England on Wednesday.

A study has revealed that nearly one in five children in the United States are not getting enough food to eat due to the coronavirus outbreak. The Brookings Institution has found that more than 17 per cent of mothers with children less than 12 years of age reported that their kids were not eating enough due to lack of money.

A study has revealed that nearly one in five children in the United States are not getting enough food to eat due to the coronavirus outbreak. The Brookings Institution has found that more than 17 per cent of mothers with children less than 12 years of age reported that their kids were not eating enough due to lack of money. Also read: Street artist Banksy pays tribute to UK's health service After recording over 10,000 cases for 4 days in a row, Russia on Thursday recorded another record jump in the number of cases. 11,231 new cases were recorded in 24 hours. Taking the total number of cases in the country to over 177,000. Also read: Russia reports record high coronavirus cases; infections rise in Moscow Moscow has imposed new virus restrictions and ramped up testing. Syria has postponed a parliamentary election for a second time to contain the spread of the coronavirus. The Syrian government has recorded 44 cases, including three deaths in areas under its control, while the Kurdish administration in northeastern Syria has reported three cases, including one death. The election scheduled for May 20 has now been pushed back to July 19. Six members of the police force in Bangladesh have lost their lives due to COVID-19. Over a thousand are receiving treatment at the central police hospital in Dhaka. Another 1,260 are in quarantine at home and 1,089 are in isolation. The police have promised to pay $12,000 to the families of any members who succumb to the disease. In addition to other government remuneration. Firefighters have designed a disinfection station in northwestern Spain to contain the spread of the coronavirus. The portable station will make it easier for health staff to disinfect their protective equipment by simply standing under the structure. The station is made at a cost of under 300 euros. A team of engineers in Indonesia have produced a compact ventilator in two months. Which will be sold at a fraction of the usual cost. The machines are the size of a mini-oven and have been assembled using household materials. The team aims to sell the machines for less than $1,000 each which is way less than the typical $20,000 to $25,000. They hope that this will accelerate the fight against the virus and tackle the shortage of ventilators. Priests in chile have been holding confession drive-throughs. Outside a catholic school in Santiago. Wearing face masks, the priests hear confessions while others wait for their turn in their cars. A new Banksy artwork celebrates the contribution of health care workers. The mural by the anonymous artist shows a young boy choosing a nurse as his superhero -- over conventional superheroes like batman and spiderman. The painting was unveiled at the University Hospital Southampton in southern England on Wednesday.

Coronavirus tracker: Russia records highest cases in one day, Banksy Artwork thanks NHS!

For patients in the critical care unit of Chile's San Borja Arriaran Hospital, recovery means long and lonely days in quarantine, cut off from contact with friends and family due to the coronavirus pandemic. But one critical care nurse is bringing tears of joy and moments of happiness to some of those patients through a pen pal letter writing program she started for them.

Pen pal letters bring joy to patients cut off from visits due to coronavirus restrictions

A hospital in Chile has installed a thermal imaging system that automatically screens its employees' temperatures in order to identify those that are running a fever and potentially infected with the new coronavirus.

Chilean hospital installs thermal cameras to screen for fever amid coronavirus fears

Antarctica is the only remaining continent in the world that has not seen a confirmed case of the new coronavirus - and Chilean authorities are working to keep it that way.

Chile works to keep Antarctica the last coronavirus-free continent

With historically low river flows and reservoirs running dry due to drought, people in central Chile have found themselves particularly vulnerable to the coronavirus pandemic.

Years of resource exploitation and lax legislation have allowed most reservoirs in that part of the country to run dry.

"There are now 400,000 families, nearly 1.5 million people approximately, whose supply of 50 liters of water a day depends on tankers," Rodrigo Mundaca, spokesman for the Movement for the Defense of Water, the Earth and the Protection of the Environment, told AFP.

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One of the main pieces of advice to protect people against coronavirus is to wash your hands regularly.

"Living without water is awful," said Dilma Castillo, who lives with her children on one of the hills around El Melon, a town of 22,000 close to the seaside resort of Valparaiso whose river has dried up.

"The worst thing is that there's no awareness, even among the people here. I'm very distressed because it's humiliating to live in these conditions."

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In the greater Santiago area and in Valparaiso, rainfall last year was almost 80 percent below the previous record low. In the northern region of Coquimbo it was down 90 percent.

Water tankers serve many homes, whose inhabitants come out to fill drums.

The virus pandemic is highlighting "once more that where there is a model of the private appropriation of water ... this condition does not guarantee people's human right to water and further weakens communities," said Mundaca.

Chilean law states that water is a resource for public use, but it turned over almost the entirety of the right to exploit the resource to the private sector.

In the Penuelas lake, an hour from Santiago, much of its bed appears cracked by the sun.

"I've been coming here to fish for 20 years. At first we used to catch a lot ... now we don't catch anything," Tomas Ruiz told AFP from the banks of what was left of the lake.

Residents angered

Matias Asun, the director of Greenpeace-Chile, said this week that the government of President Sebastian Pinera must "guarantee that there are no second-class citizens without the basics to protect themselves from COVID-19."

"Having soap is useless if there's not enough water to wash with it," he said.

Chile has reported more than 3,700 coronavirus cases and 22 deaths.

Private exploitation of water wasn't a problem in times of abundance, as was the case until recently.

But the &nbsp;drought has brought a furious reaction from communities that have run out of water in a country that saw an outbreak of social unrest in October that only subsided when social distancing measures were imposed.

Around 100 residents of El Melon occupied a well managed by the Anglo-American mining company, one of many multinationals exploiting Chile's vast copper reserves.

The occupiers are demanding that the well be used to provide water to people living in the region rather than for mining activity, said Fabian Villarroel, 26, one of the activists.

Anglo-American sent a statement to AFP saying it was committed to the well-being of people living near its sites and was collaborating in the search for "solutions that allow for inhabitants in the area to rely on a permanent supply of potable water."

The water commodity

"The 1981 water code separates the ownership of water from the dominion of the land," said Mundaca.

In Chile, "water is bought, sold or leased."

The general director of Waters, Oscar Cristi, says the water rights have been delivered to private companies, but the state controls those rights and can limit the amount of water kept in reservoirs.

However, the state has never exercised that right and if it did, it would have to compensate the private firms affected.

"The problem has to do with how those rights are distributed and what conditions are imposed," said Andrei Jouravlev, a member of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean.

With historically low river flows and reservoirs running dry due to drought, people in central Chile have found themselves particularly vulnerable to the coronavirus pandemic.

With historically low river flows and reservoirs running dry due to drought, people in central Chile have found themselves particularly vulnerable to the coronavirus pandemic. Years of resource exploitation and lax legislation have allowed most reservoirs in that part of the country to run dry. "There are now 400,000 families, nearly 1.5 million people approximately, whose supply of 50 liters of water a day depends on tankers," Rodrigo Mundaca, spokesman for the Movement for the Defense of Water, the Earth and the Protection of the Environment, told AFP. In pics: What impact is COVID-19 having on war-torn areas like Yemen, Syria, Libya One of the main pieces of advice to protect people against coronavirus is to wash your hands regularly. "Living without water is awful," said Dilma Castillo, who lives with her children on one of the hills around El Melon, a town of 22,000 close to the seaside resort of Valparaiso whose river has dried up. "The worst thing is that there's no awareness, even among the people here. I'm very distressed because it's humiliating to live in these conditions." Also read: China comes to a standstill in memory of coronavirus victims and 'martyrs' In the greater Santiago area and in Valparaiso, rainfall last year was almost 80 percent below the previous record low. In the northern region of Coquimbo it was down 90 percent. Water tankers serve many homes, whose inhabitants come out to fill drums. The virus pandemic is highlighting "once more that where there is a model of the private appropriation of water ... this condition does not guarantee people's human right to water and further weakens communities," said Mundaca. Chilean law states that water is a resource for public use, but it turned over almost the entirety of the right to exploit the resource to the private sector. In the Penuelas lake, an hour from Santiago, much of its bed appears cracked by the sun. "I've been coming here to fish for 20 years. At first we used to catch a lot ... now we don't catch anything," Tomas Ruiz told AFP from the banks of what was left of the lake. Residents angered Matias Asun, the director of Greenpeace-Chile, said this week that the government of President Sebastian Pinera must "guarantee that there are no second-class citizens without the basics to protect themselves from COVID-19." "Having soap is useless if there's not enough water to wash with it," he said. Chile has reported more than 3,700 coronavirus cases and 22 deaths. Private exploitation of water wasn't a problem in times of abundance, as was the case until recently. But the drought has brought a furious reaction from communities that have run out of water in a country that saw an outbreak of social unrest in October that only subsided when social distancing measures were imposed. Around 100 residents of El Melon occupied a well managed by the Anglo-American mining company, one of many multinationals exploiting Chile's vast copper reserves. The occupiers are demanding that the well be used to provide water to people living in the region rather than for mining activity, said Fabian Villarroel, 26, one of the activists. Anglo-American sent a statement to AFP saying it was committed to the well-being of people living near its sites and was collaborating in the search for "solutions that allow for inhabitants in the area to rely on a permanent supply of potable water." The water commodity "The 1981 water code separates the ownership of water from the dominion of the land," said Mundaca. In Chile, "water is bought, sold or leased." The general director of Waters, Oscar Cristi, says the water rights have been delivered to private companies, but the state controls those rights and can limit the amount of water kept in reservoirs. However, the state has never exercised that right and if it did, it would have to compensate the private firms affected. "The problem has to do with how those rights are distributed and what conditions are imposed," said Andrei Jouravlev, a member of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean.

Chile drought causing water shortage amidst coronavirus crisis

A Chilean company is promoting a reusable copper mask that can be manufactured in 3D printers they say will help alleviate the deficit of face masks in demand over the spread of the coronavirus.

Chileans make reusable copper masks to face coronavirus

Chile's&nbsp;capital has been&nbsp;rocked by its worst&nbsp;anti government violence in weeks after stone-throwing protesters clashed with police in running battles across the city.

Demonstrators returned to Santiago's Plaza Italia on Monday&nbsp;to rally against economic inequality and condemn the government of right-wing billionaire president Sebastian Pinera.&nbsp;

By nightfall a group of hooded men clashed with riot officers in nearby streets, hurling rocks and firing projectiles with slingshots.

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Elsewhere in the city protesters built barricades and set them alight before being dispersed by police using tear gas and water cannons.

More than 30 people have died since protests began last October with the announcement of a modest hike in metro transport fares.

The demonstrations have mushroomed to encompass wider discontent over social and economic woes.

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Around 23 police officers were injured last week during clashes with rioters at the Vina del Mar music festival west of the capital.

Authorities fear a new round of rallies this month with the end of the summer holiday season.

Protest organizers have circulated a calendar of demonstrations, including International Women's Day on March 8, and the anniversary of the deaths of two brothers murdered by the former Pinochet dictatorship on March 29.

Chile's capital has been rocked by its worst anti government violence in weeks after stone-throwing protesters clashed with police in running battles across the city.

Chile's capital has been rocked by its worst anti government violence in weeks after stone-throwing protesters clashed with police in running battles across the city. Demonstrators returned to Santiago's Plaza Italia on Monday to rally against economic inequality and condemn the government of right-wing billionaire president Sebastian Pinera. By nightfall a group of hooded men clashed with riot officers in nearby streets, hurling rocks and firing projectiles with slingshots. Also read: Police in Kazakhstan detain dozens after activist's death Elsewhere in the city protesters built barricades and set them alight before being dispersed by police using tear gas and water cannons. More than 30 people have died since protests began last October with the announcement of a modest hike in metro transport fares. The demonstrations have mushroomed to encompass wider discontent over social and economic woes. Also read: Champions League: Guardiola's masterclass ensures Man City comeback against Real Madrid Around 23 police officers were injured last week during clashes with rioters at the Vina del Mar music festival west of the capital. Authorities fear a new round of rallies this month with the end of the summer holiday season. Protest organizers have circulated a calendar of demonstrations, including International Women's Day on March 8, and the anniversary of the deaths of two brothers murdered by the former Pinochet dictatorship on March 29.

Chile capital rocked by violent anti-government rallies

February 12 in history: Chile's independence, Adolf Hitler's Iron Cross medal and lots more!

Hundreds of&nbsp;Chileans&nbsp;rallied Saturday night to protest what they call&nbsp;police&nbsp;repression&nbsp;during three months of the worst&nbsp;social&nbsp;unrest&nbsp;since democracy replaced the country's military dictatorship in 1990.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chile-violent-clashes-erupt-in-new-round-of-protests-270712">Chile: Violent clashes erupt in new round of protests</a>

More than 1,000 people, many wearing black, marched in silence from Plaza Italia, ground zero of all the protests, along Alameda Avenue, the main thoroughfare in Chile's capital.

Keeping quiet was their way of denouncing the security forces' use of tear gas, water cannon and birdshot, although the latter was barred in November because it was causing many injuries.

"We are marching because of the human rights violations we have suffered. We will be here as long as is needed. This is the new Chile," said a&nbsp;social&nbsp;worker who gave her name only as Ana Maria.

Watch:&nbsp;Chilean protests turn violent as protesters show no sign of backing down

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chilean-protests-turn-violent-as-protesters-show-no-sign-of-backing-down-260331/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The&nbsp;unrest&nbsp;broke out over a metro fare rise but quickly grew into a broader outcry&nbsp;against&nbsp;economic and&nbsp;social&nbsp;inequality in what had been considered among the most stable countries in Latin America.

Watch: Violence at an all-time high in Chile

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/violence-at-an-all-time-high-in-chile-262252/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

A total of 29 have died in violence related to the protests and nearly 3,700 were injured and&nbsp;more than 400 with eye injuries from the birdshot fired by&nbsp;police, according to the National Human Rights Institute.

The protesters on Saturday night got close to the La Moneda presidential palace. They sang and shouted slogans&nbsp;against&nbsp;conservative <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chilean-president-pinera-sparks-fury-with-fake-news-claims-270752">President Sebastian Pinera</a>, whose approval rating has dropped to single digits since the protests began in November.

Hundreds of Chileans rallied Saturday night to protest what they call police repression during three months of the worst social unrest since democracy replaced the country's military dictatorship in 1990.

Hundreds of Chileans rallied Saturday night to protest what they call police repression during three months of the worst social unrest since democracy replaced the country's military dictatorship in 1990. Also read: Chile: Violent clashes erupt in new round of protests More than 1,000 people, many wearing black, marched in silence from Plaza Italia, ground zero of all the protests, along Alameda Avenue, the main thoroughfare in Chile's capital. Keeping quiet was their way of denouncing the security forces' use of tear gas, water cannon and birdshot, although the latter was barred in November because it was causing many injuries. "We are marching because of the human rights violations we have suffered. We will be here as long as is needed. This is the new Chile," said a social worker who gave her name only as Ana Maria. Watch: Chilean protests turn violent as protesters show no sign of backing down The unrest broke out over a metro fare rise but quickly grew into a broader outcry against economic and social inequality in what had been considered among the most stable countries in Latin America. Watch: Violence at an all-time high in Chile A total of 29 have died in violence related to the protests and nearly 3,700 were injured and more than 400 with eye injuries from the birdshot fired by police, according to the National Human Rights Institute. The protesters on Saturday night got close to the La Moneda presidential palace. They sang and shouted slogans against conservative President Sebastian Pinera, whose approval rating has dropped to single digits since the protests began in November.

Chileans march against police repression during unrest

Chile's Buin Zoo is celebrating the recent birth of a rare pygmy hippopotamus, as part of its breeding programme for the endangered species.

Meet Bernardina, the baby pygmy hippo delighting Chile

In a fresh round of protests, clashes erupted between thousands of demonstrators and police in Chile's Santiago on Friday.&nbsp;

The rally took place in the Plaza Italia, which is the epicenter of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chilean-lawmakers-warn-democracy-at-stake-as-violence-spikes-264996">massive citizen protests </a>against President Sebastian Pinera's government.

Police entered the plaza in mid-afternoon and used tear gas, water cannons to disperse protesters. However, after two hours of tussle, demonstrators finally occupied the plaza, reports AFP.

"We are going to continue in the struggle until Pinera gives in to the people's demands," said Luis Rojas, 46.

The anti-government protests are continuing in Chile for more than two months. The protests initially began in Santiago over the rise in the metro fare but quickly escalated to serious social unrest since the end of the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet nearly 30 years ago. The anger in Chile is over the inequality and especially aims&nbsp;at the elites who control much of the country's weatlh.&nbsp;

At least 26 people have died so far in the unrest, injuring&nbsp;and arresting&nbsp;thousands. Pinera has been blamed by the Opposition, human rights groups and activists for failing to act quickly and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/serious-human-rights-violations-occurred-during-chile-protests-human-rights-watch-264755">rights abuses </a>by the security persnonel.&nbsp;On Monday, the Chilean President also signed a decree that called for a plebiscite on April 26 to decide the fate of current constitution which is in force swince Pinochet's rule.&nbsp;

Many people in Chile feel that replacing the current Constitution will end a dark and repressive chapter of country's history and solve the current crisis.&nbsp;

On Friday, a fire also broke out in the Cine Arte Alameda, a cultural centre that had operated for nearly three decades.&nbsp;

The witnesses said that the fire broke out after police fired tear gas shells. However, no officials have so far responded to such claims.&nbsp;

The fire was brought under control after an hour but the centre was completely destroyed, according to the deputy commander of the Santiago Fire Brigade.

The cinema owner said that no workers were injured in the fire.&nbsp;

(with inputs from&nbsp; AFP and Reuters)

 
&nbsp;

In a fresh round of protests, clashes erupted between thousands of demonstrators and police in Chile's Santiago on Friday. The rally took place in the Plaza Italia, which is the epicenter of the massive citizen protests against President Sebastian Pinera's government.

In a fresh round of protests, clashes erupted between thousands of demonstrators and police in Chile's Santiago on Friday. The rally took place in the Plaza Italia, which is the epicenter of the massive citizen protests against President Sebastian Pinera's government. Police entered the plaza in mid-afternoon and used tear gas, water cannons to disperse protesters. However, after two hours of tussle, demonstrators finally occupied the plaza, reports AFP. "We are going to continue in the struggle until Pinera gives in to the people's demands," said Luis Rojas, 46. The anti-government protests are continuing in Chile for more than two months. The protests initially began in Santiago over the rise in the metro fare but quickly escalated to serious social unrest since the end of the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet nearly 30 years ago. The anger in Chile is over the inequality and especially aims at the elites who control much of the country's weatlh. At least 26 people have died so far in the unrest, injuring and arresting thousands. Pinera has been blamed by the Opposition, human rights groups and activists for failing to act quickly and rights abuses by the security persnonel. On Monday, the Chilean President also signed a decree that called for a plebiscite on April 26 to decide the fate of current constitution which is in force swince Pinochet's rule. Many people in Chile feel that replacing the current Constitution will end a dark and repressive chapter of country's history and solve the current crisis. On Friday, a fire also broke out in the Cine Arte Alameda, a cultural centre that had operated for nearly three decades. The witnesses said that the fire broke out after police fired tear gas shells. However, no officials have so far responded to such claims. The fire was brought under control after an hour but the centre was completely destroyed, according to the deputy commander of the Santiago Fire Brigade. The cinema owner said that no workers were injured in the fire. (with inputs from AFP and Reuters)

Chile: Violent clashes erupt in new round of protests

At least one more death has been reported in the latest wave of protests in Chile, thereby taking the death toll 29, news agency AFP reported quoting National Institute of Human Rights (NHRI).

The fresh wave of protest in Chile is been dubbed as the most severe outbreak of social unrest in the country since the end of the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet nearly three decades ago.

The protesters are opposing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chilean-president-pinera-sparks-fury-with-fake-news-claims-270752">President Sebastian Pinera</a>'s right-wing government since October.

On Friday, Chilean capital Santiago witnessed a massive rally wherein another casualty was reported, taking the overall death toll to 29.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, President Pinera in an interview said that the videos showing abuse of protesters by Chilean police on social media were "fake news", news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

Pinera went on to say that the unrest was being stirred by foreign governments.&nbsp;

The president told CNN Chile in an interview that there had been a "gigantic" disinformation campaign with videos circulating on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter that had been "filmed outside of Chile or misrepresented", Reuters reported.&nbsp;

Pinera's claims were met with fury from both his political opponents and members of his governing coalition.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

At least one more death has been reported in the latest wave of protests in Chile, thereby taking the death toll 29, news agency AFP reported quoting National Institute of Human Rights (NHRI).

At least one more death has been reported in the latest wave of protests in Chile, thereby taking the death toll 29, news agency AFP reported quoting National Institute of Human Rights (NHRI). The fresh wave of protest in Chile is been dubbed as the most severe outbreak of social unrest in the country since the end of the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet nearly three decades ago. The protesters are opposing President Sebastian Pinera's right-wing government since October. On Friday, Chilean capital Santiago witnessed a massive rally wherein another casualty was reported, taking the overall death toll to 29. Meanwhile, President Pinera in an interview said that the videos showing abuse of protesters by Chilean police on social media were "fake news", news agency Reuters reported. Pinera went on to say that the unrest was being stirred by foreign governments. The president told CNN Chile in an interview that there had been a "gigantic" disinformation campaign with videos circulating on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter that had been "filmed outside of Chile or misrepresented", Reuters reported. Pinera's claims were met with fury from both his political opponents and members of his governing coalition. (With inputs from agencies)

Chile protests: Death toll climbs to 29 

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