Roadblocks, fires, and looting attempts mark the social upheaval against announced cuts to natural gas subsidies
Chile's Defence Minister resigned, the government said, the first minister to leave the Cabinet since President Sebastian Piñera took power last year.
Rescue workers struggled to reach areas cut off by devastating floods and landslides that have killed at least 500 people in one of Brazil's worst natural disasters in decades.
Robbers in Argentina have stolen $90,000 (£57,000) worth of cash meant for use by President Cristina Fernandez on an official Middle East trip.