Chile will not be a part anymore in Dakar 2016 due to the devastating floods which affected the northern part of the country.
The decision was made by the Chile Government after the torrential rainfall flooded Atacama desert, one of the driest regions on earth. The water devastated a lot of villages and towns and, according to Reuters, the country will have to spend at least 1,5 bilion dollars to repair the damages.
So, the Government must focus on rebuilding and organizing an event like Dakar would be too much for Chile. Moreover, the devastated area – Atacama Desert – is a traditional part of Dakar since 2009.
This means there will be no Atacama sand dunes next year. Until 2017, when Chile should be ready for Dakar again, the organizers should find a new route.
