23 Oct 2019 | 09:48 AM UTC
Chile: Nationwide strike called October 23-24 /update 10
Civil groups to participate in nationwide strikes on October 23-24; heightened security presence, flight and transportation disruptions expected over coming days
Event
Civil groups have called for a nationwide strike on Wednesday, October 23, and Thursday, October 24.Groups in Santiago will begin their protest from Plaza Italia as of 10:30 (local time) and will later proceed along Avenida Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins to reach the Los Heroes metro station. The strike follows President Sebastián Piñera's announcement on a series of measures aimed at quelling the violent and disruptive protests, though that remains unlikely. It is expected that the same route will be taken on Thursday, as well as scattered protests throughout the city.
The most recent curfew was implemented in Santiago from 20:00 on Tuesday until 05:00 on Wednesday, in Valparaíso from 18:00 on Tuesday until 05:30 on Wednesday, in Biobío from 18:00 on Tuesday until 06:00 on Wednesday in Los Rios and Los Lagos starting from 21:00 on Tuesday until 06:00 on Wednesday, in Tarapacá from 22:00 on Tuesday until 06:00 on Wednesday and in Arica, O'Higgins, Coquimbo, and in Antofodasta starting from 20:00 on Tuesday until 06:00 on Wednesday.
The land border crossing between Chile and Mendoza in Argentina is again closed from 16:00 on Tuesday until 09:00 on Wednesday. Metro and bus systems will operate on expanded, though partial service on Wednesday.
Additional transportation disruptions, including at Santiago International Airport (SCL), are also expected to continue over the coming days. LATAM and Sky Airline canceled flights on Monday and Tuesday due to the demonstrations. Some airlines are advising travelers to avoid traveling to SCL if their flight has been canceled.
A heightened security presence is to be expected in the coming hours and days across Santiago and other major urban areas. Further protests are likely - particularly in and around the capital. Clashes between security forces and protesters cannot be ruled out.
Context
Demonstrations began on October 6 after the Chilean government announced an increase in metro and bus fares. The mass protests escalated in Santiago and other cities over the following days to denounce high costs of living, rising electricity prices, the privatization of water, and other social issues.
Advice
Individuals in Chile, particularly in Santiago, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests due to the risk of violence, prepare for disruptions to transportation and business, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities.
