Chile declared a state of emergency affecting 19 million people following a massive blackout, the worst in a decade. President Boric called the situation “outrageous” and blamed private firms. The blackout caused chaos particularly in Santiago, leading to widespread transport issues and significant disruptions in daily life.
This week, Chile declared a state of emergency impacting 19 million people due to a significant blackout, the worst in over a decade. The blackout caused widespread disruptions, especially in the capital, Santiago, where soldiers were deployed and a curfew was imposed from 10 PM Tuesday until 6 AM Wednesday.
President Gabriel Boric characterized the event as “outrageous” and stated that it was unacceptable for private companies to disrupt the lives of so many. He emphasized the government’s responsibility to hold these companies accountable.
The blackout affected a broad area from Arica in the north to Los Lagos in the south, encompassing over 90% of Chile’s population. Meanwhile, Interior Minister Carolina Toha dismissed the possibility of sabotage, attributing the power loss to a potential failure in the operational system.
As the crisis unfolded, the metro system’s evacuation led to chaos, with many passengers stranded due to traffic light outages. Many businesses and shops closed early, intensifying the disarray. Workers expressed frustration; one noted they were dismissed from work but struggled to find transportation home due to overcrowded buses.
Firefighters were seen rescuing people trapped in elevators and on amusement park rides, reflecting the emergency’s severity. Hospitals and prisons relied on backup generators to maintain operations. Boric conducted an aerial inspection of the situation to assess damage.
Chile’s recent blackout contrasts with Cuba, which has experienced frequent outages. Chile’s power infrastructure has been traditionally robust, making this event particularly notable, as the last comparable blackout occurred 15 years ago after the 2010 earthquake.
The massive blackout in Chile has highlighted vulnerabilities within its power infrastructure, leading to a state of emergency. President Boric’s response indicates a strong stance against corporate negligence, aiming to restore public confidence. Many residents faced significant disruption, but the government’s swift actions aimed to manage the crisis. This incident serves as a reminder of the need for robust energy systems and accountability from private sector players.
Original Source: www.news.com.au
