Chile experienced a sweeping power blackout that left nearly 19 million people - over 98 per cent of its population - without electricity, marking the country’s most significant outage in 15 years. The blackout, which began at 3:16 p.m. local time yesterday (Tuesday), stretched from the northern Arica y Parinacota region, near the Peruvian border, to the southern Los Lagos region, encompassing 14 of Chile’s 16 regions, including the bustling capital, Santiago. As of this morning, efforts to restore power are ongoing, though millions remain in the dark. The Government declared a state of emergency and imposed a curfew from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. between Arica and Los Lagos to maintain order.
The National Electrical Coordinator, Chile’s grid operator, pinpointed the cause to a failure in a high-voltage transmission line in the Norte Chico region, though the precise trigger remains under investigation. Interior Minister Carolina Tohá ruled out a cyberattack but noted that the system’s vulnerability might be linked to recent challenges, including a severe heatwave taxing the grid. The outage paralyzed daily life: Santiago’s metro system shut down, stranding commuters in darkened tunnels; traffic lights failed, gridlocking streets; and businesses shuttered as air conditioners fell silent in the summer heat.
The impact rippled beyond urban centers. Escondida, the world’s largest copper mine, lost power, though some mining operations switched to backup generators. At Fantasilandia amusement park in Santiago, riders were briefly trapped on a roller coaster until emergency power freed them. LATAM Airlines reported flight disruptions, urging passengers to check schedules, while Santiago’s international airport relied on backup systems to maintain operations. Across the country, mobile networks faltered, and emergency sirens pierced the silence as authorities scrambled to respond.
President Gabriel Boric, speaking from the Carabineros Operational Management Center, called it a “critical situation” and vowed a thorough probe into the outage’s cause. “We’ve activated hydroelectric stations and other backups,” said Ernesto Huber of the National Electrical Coordinator, as restoration efforts prioritised key areas. By midnight, power flickered back in parts of Santiago, met with cheers in neighborhoods like Providencia, but rural regions lagged behind.
The blackout tested Chile’s reputation as having one of South America’s most reliable power grids. Social media buzzed with frustration and fear, with videos showing evacuations and chaotic intersections. The government deployed armed forces to support police, ensuring hospital and prison backup systems held firm.
With the Disaster Risk Management Committee in emergency session, authorities hope to restore full service within hours, though questions linger about the grid’s resilience. For now, the nation holds its breath, a stark reminder of its dependence on a fragile electrical lifeline. Pic credit PTI.