A significant blackout in Chile on February 25, 2025, left millions without power and caused major transport disruptions in the capital. President Boric declared a state of emergency, attributing the outage to failures among private power system managers. By February 26, power was restored to most homes, yet the situation raised concerns about infrastructure reliability.
On February 26, 2025, Chilean authorities announced that they had restored power to the majority of homes after a significant blackout impacted the country on February 25. This event, described as the worst blackout in over ten years, led President Gabriel Boric to declare a state of emergency and enforce curfews. Millions experienced power loss due to failed management of the electricity grid, which disrupted public transport and daily life across a broad area of Chile.
The blackouts left extensive areas devoid of electricity, specifically affecting regions from Arica in the north to Los Lagos in the south, impacting over 90% of Chile’s population of 20 million. Early Wednesday reports indicated that 90% of electricity consumption had been restored. The outage caused chaos in Santiago, where transport systems were severely hampered, forcing evacuation of the metro and congestion on buses.
President Boric criticized private companies responsible for the electricity grid, calling the situation unacceptable for citizens. Interior Minister Carolina Toha attributed the blackout to operational failures rather than sabotage. This incident heightened concerns about infrastructure reliability, especially given Chile’s historically robust power network and the rarity of such significant outages within the last 15 years.
Witnesses described systemic issues, such as non-functional traffic lights resulting in extensive delays, with individuals walking long distances to get home. Reports noted workers being dismissed early due to power outages and routine operations in businesses halted. Employees expressed frustration over the chaotic transport back home, further impacted by closed shops and early office closures.
During the crisis, emergency services, including fire crews, were required to assist individuals trapped in elevators and on amusement park rides. The hospital systems and prisons relied on backup generators to maintain operations during the blackout. President Boric undertook aerial assessments of the situation, as disturbances and traffic chaos unfolded in cities like Valparaiso, highlighting the blackout’s widespread impact throughout the nation.
The massive blackout in Chile affected millions, halting public transport and disrupting daily activities across the country. Authorities swiftly restored power to most areas, with President Boric blaming grid management failures. This incident raised considerable concerns about infrastructure resilience in a country typically known for its reliable power systems. It underscores the need for robust oversight of private companies in critical sectors.
Original Source: www.thestandard.com.hk
