Chile has returned to a sense of normalcy after a massive blackout and subsequent curfew that brought the country to a standstill. The blackout, which was the worst to hit Chile since 2010, was met with widespread chaos and panic, prompting the government to decree a curfew until Wednesday. However, despite initial concerns of an attack on the energy supply network, it appears that the blackout was the result of an electrical failure by the Isa Interchile company.
The impact of the blackout was felt across the country, with hospitals and prisons relying on emergency generators to continue operating. Chilean President Gabriel Boric was quick to respond to the crisis, holding private companies responsible for the electricity system accountable for the failure. In a press conference, Boric stated, “Today has been a complex day for millions of compatriots, since due to an electrical failure of the Isa Interchile company, a massive power cut throughout the country was caused.”
Government Response and Aftermath
The Chilean government’s swift response to the crisis helped to mitigate the effects of the blackout. However, the situation was not without its challenges. Panic spread as people were left stranded in elevated attractions at amusement parks, and circulation in Santiago was severely disrupted after the metro system was evacuated. The metro, which serves around 2.3 million users daily, was forced to suspend operations, causing widespread inconvenience. Additionally, classes for approximately 300,000 schoolchildren were suspended on Wednesday.
President Boric’s Statement
As the situation unfolded, President Boric took to social media to address the nation. In a tweet, he acknowledged the complexity of the day’s events, stating, “Today it has been a complex day for millions of compatriots, since due to an electrical failure of the ISA InterChile company, a massive power cut throughout the country was caused.” He also vowed to take action, saying, “The replacement has been partially giving, however, this we will not miss and come on…”
As the country returns to normal, it is clear that the effects of the blackout will be felt for some time. With information from AFP, it is evident that the Chilean government’s response to the crisis was crucial in preventing further chaos and ensuring the safety of its citizens.
