A major power outage in Chile has affected 90% of the population, prompting a travel warning from the UK Foreign Office. The blackout resulted from a failure in a high-voltage transmission system, leading to chaos and a state of emergency. Tourists are advised to stay updated via local news as essential services and transport have been significantly disrupted.
The UK Foreign Office has issued a travel warning for Chile following a massive power outage that affected 90% of the country’s population. The blackout, which occurred on Tuesday, February 25, resulted from a failure in a high-voltage transmission line between Santiago and the Atacama Desert, leading to chaos and triggering a government-imposed state of emergency.
With widespread outages impacting transport systems, tourists are advised to monitor local news and adhere to instructions from Chilean authorities. Public transport in Santiago, which services 8.4 million residents, has been severely disrupted, with no subway services available until further notice.
Chilean officials have declared a curfew from 10 PM to 6 AM in affected areas to maintain public safety. As the crisis unfolded, motorists faced non-functional traffic lights, and people were evacuated from dark tunnels during the blackout.
The power cut also caused interruptions to mobile services and halted operations at the world’s largest copper mine. Additionally, local water shortages emerged due to the failure of electrical pumps.
Emergency generators have been deployed at hospitals, government facilities, and prisons to ensure essential services continue. Santiago International Airport has switched to emergency power, although flight schedules remain at risk due to ongoing issues with power supply.
According to President Gabriel Boric, power restoration began late, with reports of intermittent supply returning to half of affected households by 11 PM. The government ruled out a cyberattack as the cause, attributing the outage to a systemic failure. In a statement, the President emphasized the need for accountability among responsible companies, describing the incident as “outrageous and intolerable.”
In summary, Chile is facing significant disruptions due to a widespread power outage affecting transport, emergency services, and communication. The UK Foreign Office has alerted travelers to remain vigilant and follow local guidance as authorities manage the ongoing crisis and prioritize public safety. Restorative efforts are underway, although challenges remain in transportation and infrastructure.
Original Source: www.express.co.uk
