Massive power outage in Chile: Santiago and the country in the dark!

Massive power outage in Chile: Santiago and the country in the dark!

A massive power outage paralyzed Chile on Tuesday, leaving about 80 percent of households without electricity. From Arica in the north to Puerto Montt in the south, the entire country was affected. Power was gradually restored in the capital Santiago and in the coastal towns of Valparaíso and Viña del Mar, reported the Small newspaper, after the situation had continued for several hours. However, the cause of the blackout remains unclear and authorities face the challenge of identifying the problem. The Interior Minister has convened a disaster management committee to deal with the situation.

In Santiago, darkness was pervasive as the sirens of emergency vehicles echoed through the streets. The subway, a vital mode of transport for millions of commuters, ceased operations. Passengers had to be rescued from stuck trains. One concerned citizen, José Luis Orlandini, said: "There is nothing. There is no cash. No money. Nothing." The head of Chile's National Electricity Coordinator (CEN), Ernesto Huber, announced that there is still no clear timeline for the full restoration of power, although partial solutions have been found in some regions, including the restart of several hydroelectric power plants. Loud 20 minutes Major copper mines' production has also been significantly affected as global copper leader Chile struggles with power outages. Companies such as the famous Escondida and the state-owned Codelco were forced to suspend their activities, which has a significant impact on mining in the country.