Chile: Power outages, demonstrations, blockades ongoing in parts of Santiago as of late Aug. 6 after severe weather /update 1

Power outages and associated demonstrations are ongoing in parts of Santiago and the surrounding area as of late Aug. 6 due to severe weather which brought down electricity lines on Aug. 2; at least 200,000 households are without power as of late Aug. 6. Protests against the ongoing outage have occurred Maipu, Nunoa, La Pintana, Pudahuel, Quilicura, La Reina, Renca, and Vitacura; demonstrators blockaded Route 5 north of Santiago Aug. 6. Activists have started fires and blocked other roads in some cases; clashes between authorities and demonstrators have occurred, with police using water cannons on the crowd on at least one occasion. It is unclear when power will be fully restored. Disruptions to internet access have been reported.

Heightened security and transport and business disruptions are likely near demonstration sites; continued clashes between activists and police are possible. Further protests are likely. 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 Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and fuel stations. Blackouts could adversely affect security protocols, including alarm systems and electronic fences; opportunistic criminal activity could increase during electricity outages.