Chile Faces State of Emergency as Widespread Blackout Dims the Nation

Chile’s president has announced a state of emergency after a major blackout left most of the country, including the capital Santiago, in darkness on Tuesday. The outage affected around 8 million homes during the summer, when temperatures in Santiago hover around 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit).

The blackout struck during the afternoon and impacted 14 out of 16 regions across the country. The National Disaster Prevention and Response Service reported widespread disruptions. Internet and mobile services also went down, causing chaos as commuters struggled to find alternative transport.

Officials from the National Electrical Coordinator stated that the blackout was due to a problem with a high-voltage transmission line that carries electricity from the Atacama Desert to Santiago. They are currently investigating the cause of the disruption.

President Gabriel Boric expressed frustration over the situation, criticizing power companies for their failure to prevent the widespread outage. He emphasized the need for accountability and promised thorough investigations.

To address the situation, authorities announced a curfew from 10 p.m. Tuesday until 6 a.m. Wednesday. They aimed to ensure public safety during this challenging time. By Tuesday evening, about 25% of power had been restored, with hopes for full service by early morning.

Interior Minister Carolina Tohá reassured the public that efforts were underway to restore power and maintain order. Emergency generators were activated in hospitals and government buildings to ensure essential services remained operational.

Daily life in much of the country slowed considerably, particularly in Santiago, where metro services were halted. Passengers were evacuated from trains and guided out in the dark. Despite the chaos on the ground, Santiago International Airport managed to keep flights running due to backup systems, although some airline schedules may face interruptions.

The blackout also severely impacted internet access, with national connectivity dropping to just 25% of normal levels. In addition, a soccer match was suspended amid the confusion and will be rescheduled.

This blackout affected many regions, including Arica and Parinacota, Tarapacá, and Valparaíso, among others. As concerns grow, officials remain focused on restoring power and ensuring safety for all citizens.