Santiago: At least four people are known to have died and seven were missing after heavy rains struck Chile two days ago.
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, according to the (BBC).
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.
At least four people are known to have died in the floods.
