Chile experienced its worst blackout in over a decade, impacting millions from north to south, prompting a state of emergency, and causing widespread transport issues. President Boric criticized private grid operators while power was rapidly restored to most homes. Rescues were conducted amidst the chaos, highlighting significant infrastructural challenges.
On Wednesday, Chilean authorities reported that power was restored to most homes following a significant blackout that disrupted the country and led President Gabriel Boric to declare a state of emergency and impose a curfew in various regions. The blackout, described as the worst in over a decade, resulted in widespread outages affecting millions.
The incident began Tuesday afternoon, with power failures leaving millions without electricity. President Boric criticized the private companies responsible for the electrical grid, emphasizing the unacceptable impact on citizens’ daily lives due to their failure to maintain infrastructure. As of Wednesday morning, power operators confirmed that 90% of electricity consumption had been restored.
The outage had a substantial impact, spanning from Arica in the north to Los Lagos in the south—regions that house over 90% of Chile’s population. Transportation chaos ensued in Santiago as thousands were evacuated from the metro, while others struggled to find available buses to return home. President Boric responded by declaring a state of emergency and instituting a curfew until the following morning.
Interior Minister Carolina Toha dismissed the possibility of sabotage, attributing the blackout to an operational failure in the power system. The metro company took measures to safely evacuate passengers from stations, and many traffic lights being out of service caused major congestion in the city.
Shops and offices closed early due to the blackout, leading to confusion among workers trying to get home. The Vina del Mar music festival was interrupted, and some attendees were left stranded and uncertain about their next steps.
Rescue efforts were highlighted through dramatic incidents, such as firefighters saving individuals trapped on amusement park rides and in elevators. Meanwhile, hospitals and prisons were operating on backup generators, ensuring essential services continued.
Chile typically boasts a robust electrical network, with the last comparable blackout taking place about 15 years ago, following a devastating earthquake. An aerial survey of the capital by President Boric was conducted to assess the situation and develop recovery strategies.
The massive blackout in Chile, affecting millions and prompting a state of emergency, revealed vulnerabilities in the country’s power infrastructure managed by private companies. Rapid restoration of power to the majority reflects efficient response efforts, although the disruption led to significant transport chaos and public outcry. Continued assessment and improvements in grid management are critical to prevent future occurrences.
Original Source: www.france24.com
