22 Oct 2019 | 12:56 PM UTC
Chile: Protests set to continue in Santiago and Valparaiso as death toll rises to 13 October 22 /update 9
Groups call for further protests and related deaths climb to 13; heightened security presence, flight and transportation disruptions expected over coming days
Event
Medical staff have called for additional protests in Santiago and Valparaiso on Tuesday, October 22, to demand more budgetary allocations for 2020 amid ongoing nationwide protests. In Santiago, protests will take place at 10:00 (local time) at the National Congress and at the Public Assistance Emergency Hospital (HUAP) at 11:00. Others will also protest outside of hospitals across the city as of 12:00. In Valparaiso, a march is scheduled from Plaza Sotomayor towards the Valparaiso National Congress at 11:00. Also on Tuesday, the union of workers at the Escondida copper mine will hold a day-long strike in a show of solidarity with the protesters.
Other related protests are likely to take place in the aforementioned cities and other urban centers alike over the coming several days.
An overnight curfew implemented in Valparaíso, Concepción, Santiago, Rancagua, Antofagasta, La Serena, Coquimbo, and Valdivia on Monday, October 21, has ended as of 06:00. President Sebastián Piñera declared a state of emergency on Friday, October 18, and it is expected to remain in effect for 15 days.
Over 10,500 security personnel were deployed on Monday as protests continued in Santiago and other cities. Clashes between security forces and protesters were reported in some areas and over 1500 people have been arrested. According to media reports, at least 13 people have been killed during violent protests from Saturday, October 19, through Tuesday.
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
The Escondida mine is the world largest copper mine.
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.
