By admin 
Chile has declared a state of emergency after a widespread power outage plunged millions into darkness, severely affecting daily life across the country, including the capital, Santiago.
Tuesday’s largest blackout in years was triggered by a failure in a high-voltage transmission line in northern Chile, according to Interior Minister Carolina Toha. Authorities have ruled out any act of sabotage.
President Boric Blames Private Firms for Nationwide Power Failure
In a late-night address, President Gabriel Boric condemned private energy companies for the disruption, vowing to hold them accountable.
“This situation is unacceptable. It is the state’s duty to ensure that no company can disrupt the lives of millions of Chileans,” Boric stated.
Chile’s National Disaster Response Agency (Senapred) confirmed that 14 out of 16 regions were impacted, making it one of the most severe power failures in recent history.
Curfew Enforced and Military Deployed to Maintain Order
To prevent unrest, the government has imposed a curfew from 10 PM to 6 AM (01:00 to 09:00 GMT), spanning from Arica in the north to Los Lagos in the south.
Additionally, armed forces have been deployed nationwide to assist in maintaining security during the crisis.
Grid Recovery in Progress, But Challenges Remain
By 10 PM (01:00 GMT), only 25% of the country’s electricity demand had been restored, according to Juan Carlos Olmedo, President of the National Electricity Coordinator (CEN).
“We have activated several power stations, primarily hydroelectric, to gradually restore supply,” added CEN Executive Director Ernesto Huber. Authorities anticipate full restoration by morning.
Santiago in Chaos: Transport, Banking, and Services Disrupted
The blackout caused major disruptions in Santiago, including:
- Streetlights failing, leading to hazardous conditions on the roads.
- The metro system shutting down, forcing passenger evacuations.
- Only 27% of traffic lights working, prompting officials to urge residents to stay home.
- ATMs and electronic payment systems going offline, leaving many unable to access cash.
“There’s nothing—no cash, no money, nothing,” said Santiago resident Jose Luis Orlandini, describing the challenges faced by locals.
Copper Mines Halt Operations, Sending Shockwaves Through Global Markets
The blackout also had international repercussions, as major copper mines in northern Chile were forced to suspend operations. Given that Chile is the world’s largest copper producer, the disruption impacted global metal markets.
What Comes Next?
Authorities are working urgently to fully restore power and investigate the cause of the failure, while calls grow for stricter oversight of private energy firms.
More updates to follow as Chile navigates one of its worst power crises in years.
Gill Bikram Singh