Officials in Chile have declared a state of catastrophe in the Coquimbo region and the province of Huasco after heavy rains triggered floods and mudslides.

At least five people are reported to have died, say local mayors, and Chile's disaster response service, Senapred, said the extreme weather left thousands affected, with more than 99,000 people isolated and several missing nationwide.

Areas of Coquimbo recorded historic rainfall, including more than 200 mm at Cerro Tololo, according to Chile's meteorological authorities.

President José Antonio Kast said the government had decided to activate the constitutional state of catastrophe after evaluating the emergency.