Death toll in Chile floods rises to 18

Santiago - At least 18 people were killed in flash floods that hit a normally arid region of northern Chile last week, and about the same number remain missing, authorities said on Monday.

The latest death toll from the devastating floods was released after six more bodies were found late Sunday and Monday, as rescue workers continued dealing with the aftermath of the torrential rains in Atacama region, home to the world's driest desert.

Chilean President Michelle Bachelet had warned at the weekend that the situation in the area was "bleak" and that the death toll was likely to rise.