Chile: Power outages affecting parts of Santiago as of late Aug. 4; related demonstrations ongoing

Power outages are ongoing in parts of Santiago and the surrounding area as of late Aug. 4 due to recent severe weather which has brought down electricity lines; at least 300,000 households are without power as of the evening of Aug. 4. Demonstrations against the alleged slow response to restoring electricity have been reported, particularly in the Maipu area; activists have started fires and blocked roads. Authorities have announced that power will not be fully restored until at least Aug. 6-7 and that many schools in the area will be closed through Aug. 6.

Heightened security and transport and business disruptions are likely near demonstration sites; clashes between activists and police are possible. Further protests may occur. Transport disruptions are also likely in areas with malfunctioning traffic signals. Disruptions to telecommunications, including cellular and mobile services, may occur. Power outages could result in the temporary unavailability of essential services, such as ATMs and gas stations. Blackouts could adversely affect security protocols, including alarm systems and electronic fences; opportunistic criminal activity could increase during electricity outages.