El Ciudadano
Original article: Sistema frontal golpea ferias libres: Más del 60 % debió suspender actividades por inundaciones y alertan por impacto en alimentos
Severe Front Disrupts Food Markets
Intense rainfall, strong winds, and flooding caused by the frontal system affecting much of the country are beginning to severely impact one of the primary supply channels for food for millions of Chilean families. This was highlighted by the Association of Free Fairs of Chile (ASOF), which shared a preliminary assessment conducted among fairs nationwide.
According to the survey conducted with 236 free fairs, 61.9% reported temporary suspension of operations, while 29.2% are still functioning but facing significant operational challenges. Only a small percentage indicated they are operating normally, and 5.9% reported an indefinite closure, underscoring the seriousness of the emergency.
President of ASOF, Paola Morales, expressed concerns about the potential consequences of this situation in the coming days. «There is significant worry about what lies ahead. The damages are extensive, and this will undoubtedly affect the supply of fresh products for thousands of families. Our fairs are currently facing not only economic losses but also tremendous challenges to return to normal operations,» she stated.
The survey also highlights the extent of the damages suffered by the fairs. Among the 233 responses received regarding the level of impact, 61.8% rated the impact at the highest severity (level 5), while 19.3% assessed it as level 4. In other words, more than eight out of ten fairs consider they are facing severe damages due to the climate emergency.
The poll also identified the primary needs faced by market families today. Out of 229 responses, 72.1% indicated they require urgent financial support, reflecting the direct impact of the emergency on the living conditions of thousands of workers and their families. Free Fairs in the country provide over 400,000 jobs.
Additionally, other critical demands include:
Logistical support: 40.6%.
Infrastructure repair: 34.5%.
Management of permits and authorizations: 23.1%.
Cleanup and debris removal: 17.5%.
ASOF called on national, regional, and municipal authorities to implement extraordinary support measures to facilitate the rapid recovery of free fairs, considering they are the main channel for marketing fruits, vegetables, and fresh foods in the country.
«Free fairs play an essential role in food security for Chile. Every day, they supply millions of people and sustain thousands of families. Today, we need a quick and coordinated response to recover the damaged infrastructure, support the affected vendors, and ensure that supplies remain intact in the coming days,» concluded Paola Morales.
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