21 Oct 2019 | 09:10 PM UTC
Chile: Severe transportation disruptions reported amid nationwide protests October 21 /update 7
Severe transportation disruptions reported amid nationwide protests October 21; heightened security presence, flight and transportation disruptions expected over coming days
Event
Thousands participated in demonstrations across Santiago on Monday, October 21, in defiance of an emergency decree. Police reportedly used tear gas and water cannons to forcibly disperse a march organized by students and union members at Plaza Baqueano. Severe disruptions to transportation continued in the capital as only one of the city's six subway lines was operating after a weekend of violent clashes resulted in damages to many of the stations. Officials said it could take weeks or months to fully restore service. General Javier Iturriaga del Campo of the Chilean military announced that a curfew would be imposed in Santiago between 20:00 (local time) on Monday evening and 06:00 on Tuesday, October 22.
Disruptions at Santiago International Airport (SCL) have been reported, with many delays, as well as LATAM and Sky Airline announcing cancellations through Monday. Further flight delays, as well as other transportation and business disruptions are to be expected over the next several hours and days.
On Tuesday, the union of workers at the Escondida copper mine will hold a day-long strike in a show of solidarity with protests in Chile. The Escondida copper mine is the world's largest.
A heightened security presence is to be expected in the coming hours and days across Santiago. Further protests are likely - particularly in and around the capital. Clashes between security forces and protesters cannot be ruled out.
Context
On October 6, the Chilean government announced an increase in metro and bus fares. Students subsequently began jumping over metro turnstiles to protest the fare hikes, presaging mass demonstrations in the capital over the perceived high cost of living.
Advice
Individuals 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.
