Today has been a complex day for millions of compatriots in Chile due to a massive electrical failure caused by the company ISA InterChile, which generated a power outage throughout the country. The restoration of service has occurred partially, and municipalities have been asked to contribute with their security teams to maintain order.
Mayor Tohá confirmed that essential services have backup systems and that no failures have been reported in hospitals or other critical infrastructures. While work is being done to recover the electrical supply, the population has been asked to avoid spreading false information and not to propagate unfounded theories that create confusion and alarm.
Chilean authorities have clarified that the failure in the electrical supply was due to a problem in the system and there are no indications that it was intentionally caused. In light of the chaos on the streets following the blackout, Carabineros has deployed units to ensure safety and assist with traffic management. Furthermore, municipalities have been requested to contribute with their security teams.
Regarding education, the Ministry of Education has announced the suspension of classes due to the state of emergency caused by the massive power outage, affecting nearly 130 thousand students. Additionally, false theories linking the blackout to alleged retaliation from Venezuelan groups, suggesting an act of sabotage, were detected on social media.
Authorities have dismissed these theories and reiterate that everything points to a failure in the electrical system. Carolina Tohá, Minister of the Interior, stated that there are no reasons to suspect an attack and emergency measures are being assessed in conjunction with President Gabriel Boric. Since the outage occurred, repair work has been underway, and service is expected to be restored in the coming hours.
