Extreme Weather Response: Chile declared a state of emergency after deadly, unusually intense rainfall hit Coquimbo and Atacama, killing five people, leaving four missing, and damaging or destroying over 1,100 homes, with rivers blocking roads and power cuts disrupting drinking water. Climate & Wildlife Under Pressure: Peru’s Humboldt penguin population has fallen by two-thirds since 2022 amid avian influenza and El Niño impacts, and experts warn a stronger El Niño could worsen prey shortages as scientists urge updated conservation status. Energy, Water & Data Centers: A new push for behind-the-meter clean power is emerging as Terra Innovatum and Waiken ILW sign a letter of intent for up to 8 MWe of micro-modular nuclear reactors to power DIRECTV Latin America and SKY Brasil data centers in Argentina and Brazil. Chile’s Lithium Timeline: Codelco has delayed the Maricunga lithium project’s production start to 2034, citing permitting and environmental approval hurdles, while Rio Tinto reaffirmed its partnership. Regional Cooperation: Indonesia and Chile agreed to deepen ties in critical minerals, science and technology, agriculture, and healthcare under their economic partnership framework. Mining Watch: South32 reported strong operating results at Sierra Gorda in Chile but also flagged weather-related disruptions and higher costs ahead.