A mudslide - triggered by snow - causes chaos in what is normally one of the driest places on earth.
The light snowfall in Chile's Atacama desert was the first in 30 years.
The moisture mixed with dry desert soil created a huge mudslide that pushed its way right to the border of the town of Tocopilla.
Town mayor Fernando San Roma, who called for more government resources, said he was grateful the mud did not come into the town.
Heavy machinery was brought in to remove the mud from the coastal highway where many people were stranded in their vehicles.
Residents of the tiny town of San Pedro de Atacama meanwhile had the rare opportunity to engage in a snowball fight.
No more rain is expected for the region.
