Latest Chile News | Top Chile News Headlines Today | Today India news | Breaking Chile News Today | English Chile News Headlines - TheDailyGuardian

Lionel Messi Substituted in Second Half as Argentina Secures 1-0 Win Over Chile

June 6, 2025, 3:52 pm

Lionel Messi was a second-half substitute as Argentina got a 1-0 victory over Chile in a World Cup qualifying match on Thursday night in Santiago. Julian Alvarez gave the defending world champions an early lead in the 16th minute, thus ensuring a very important win that consolidates Argentina’s place at the top of the CONMEBOL qualifying table. The Albiceleste have now secured a berth at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Julian Alvarez finished off a fantastic Argentinian counterattack by chipping the Chilean goalkeeper Brayan Cortés to score a goal that went in off the post. The striker scored the winning and the only goal of the game.

Messi Comes Off The Bench

Messi started the game on the bench but began warming up at the start of the second half. The coach brought him on in the 58th minute, earning a warm reception at Estadio Nacional Julio Martinez Pradanos.

Although the Argentine captain didn’t find the net, he still made a few good efforts during his nearly 40-minute performance. One of his best chances was in the 83rd minute, when he gave an excellently weighted through ball to Giuliano Simeone, but the forward missed the chance by shooting wide.

Messi Named MLS Player Of the Month

Lionel Messi made his cameo on the pitch the same day MLS named him Player of the Month for May, recognizing his impressive performances with Inter Miami. It was not exactly a high-profile performance by his standards, but the game allowed him to get some important game time in the FIFA international break.

Argentina will have another qualifier against Colombia on Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET. After international duty, Messi will come back to South Florida for Inter Miami’s FIFA Club World Cup venture. He is scheduled to play in their first game against the Egyptian team Al Ahly on Saturday, June 14, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

Tsunami Warning Triggers Mass Evacuations in Chile, Argentina Following 7.4 Magnitude Earthquake

May 2, 2025, 10:13 pm

Thousands have been relocated to safer areas in Chile and Argentina, following a tsunami warning issued by Chilean authorities after an earthquake was recorded off the nation’s southern coast.

Details of the Earthquake

The 7.4 magnitude earthquake hit in the Drake Passage between Cape Horn, at the southernmost tip of South America, and Antarctica at 09:58 local time (12:58 GMT), as reported by the United States Geological Survey. Its epicenter was located 219 km (136 miles) off the Argentine city of Ushuaia the world’s southernmost city.

A tsunami warning was put in place for Chile’s isolated Magallanes region and portions of the Chilean Antarctic Territory. Precautionary steps were also taken in Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego region. The earthquake occurred at a shallow depth of 10 km (6 miles), according to the US Geological Survey.

Safety Measures and Government Response

The residents of the affected regions have been asked to remain calm and follow official directives. So far, no reports of injury or damage have been received. In a post on X, Chilean President Gabriel Boric urged people to evacuate the coastline throughout the Magallanes region. The local press reports that the move is precautionary, with residents being asked to retreat to areas 30 meters above sea level.

Over 1,700 people have so far been taken to safety from higher ground in the sparsely populated area. Of these, 1,000 have come from Puerto Williams, and 500 from Puerto Natales, according to Chile’s disaster agency (Senapred).

Another 32 individuals also participated in evacuation drills at Chilean research stations in Antarctica. Senapred has issued its highest level of disaster alert, mobilizing all available resources to respond.

Calm Evacuation Efforts

Miguel Ortiz, Senapred’s deputy director of emergency management, advised people to “remain evacuated in the safety zone.” Video footage on social media captured residents walking calmly to higher ground. This was in the isolated town of Puerto Williams. Wailing sirens were heard in the background. Chile’s police department also shared a video. It showed a police officer guiding a wheelchair user up a hill in the town. The town is home to around 2,800 residents.

In Argentina, the quake was strongest in Ushuaia. Other municipalities were affected “to a lesser degree,” according to the region’s governor’s office. An official from the region’s civil protection department informed local media that approximately 2,000 individuals had been evacuated from the Argentine coast.

Chile Eyes Stronger Ties with India Through Trade, Culture, and Critical Minerals

April 4, 2025, 6:14 pm

In a major move towards furthering India-Chile relations, Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font landed in New Delhi to begin his official five-day visit throughout India. The visit will take him through major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Agra, and Bengaluru.

President Boric had a high-level summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where both of them reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation in various fields like agriculture, critical minerals, and cultural exchanges.

Expanding Markets

While in an interview with NewsX Editor Megha Sharma, Chilean Minister of Agriculture Esteban Valenzuela explained how economic capabilities of the two nations go hand in hand, especially as far as agriculture and natural resources are concerned. He explained that Chile has aimed to access Indian markets for exports such as pork, cherries, and wine while expressing a desire for purchasing Indian products including mangoes, bananas, and cheese.

#IndiaChileTies | Chile’s Agriculture Minister Esteban Valenzuela and Gabriel Layseca, head of International Relations at Chile’s Ministry of Agriculture, shared insights on the strengthening bilateral ties between India and Chile. The discussions highlighted the potential of… pic.twitter.com/Acbre4AWRP

— NewsX World (@NewsX) April 3, 2025

“Chile is a small country with a big impact in global exports. We’re number one in fruit exports to the Northern Hemisphere,” said Minister Valenzuela. He noted that recent MoUs signed between the two nations would open new doors for bilateral trade and joint growth.

CEPA and the Gateway Vision

Gabriel Leiva, director of the international department at Chile’s Ministry of Agriculture, outlined the larger strategy behind the alliance. “The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) is a giant leap forward. We would like to be India’s gateway to Latin America, as India provides Chile with access to Asia,” he said.

#IndiaChileTies | Esteban Valenzuela, Chile’s Minister of Agriculture, unveils the crucial role agriculture will play in achieving the $100 billion trade target between India and Chile. With insights into export opportunities and bilateral cooperation, Valenzuela emphasizes the… pic.twitter.com/VwuMW0KgRB

— NewsX World (@NewsX) April 3, 2025

Collaboration Beyond Trade

The Chilean delegation also made inquiries into mutual scientific endeavors in Antarctica and cross-cultural cooperation. Minister Valenzuela appreciated India’s spiritual culture and Chile’s enthusiasm to achieve knowledge-sharing with practices such as yoga. He also mentioned cultivating closer people-to-people contacts between the nations.

Investment Opportunities

Both countries agreed to the need for the removal of tariff and non-tariff barriers to promote the ease of doing business. Chile issued an invitation to Indian businesses to venture into its mining sector, particularly copper extraction and lithium, vital materials in the move toward sustainable power globally.

B2B Engagements

On the visit, Chilean agri-business leaders met with Indian counterparts to discuss collaborations. Indian importers are greatly interested in growing imports from Chile, especially in the segment of fruits and niche foods, Indian importers say, Gabriel Leiva reported.

Cultural Ties

In a more lighthearted tone, Minister Valenzuela was thrilled at the potential for an Indo-Chilean film with a romance between a Chilean farmer and an Indian yoga instructor, representing the flowering of cultural friendship between the two countries.

With President Boric’s ongoing tour of India, the overall message is one of enhanced collaboration based on common democratic values, differentiated economies, and cultural respectfulness.

Water Cannons & Tear Gas: Chile Fishermen Clash With Police Over Fishing Law

March 26, 2025, 3:09 am

Protesters tried to break through the gates of Congress before police replied with tear gas, water cannons, and riot gear. At least one officer was wounded, and several protesters were arrested as authorities sought to bring the violence under control.

During the day, hundreds of thousands of artisanal fishermen marched to Congress, with slogans that said, “The Sea is Not for Sale.” Small-scale fishermen, outraged by the proposed law, say amendments adopted in the Senate benefit giant industrial fishing firms at their expense.

Union organizer Hugo Poblete, outside Congress, said the lower house originally provided artisanal fishers with a 70% quota of hake and a 90% quota of cuttlefish both of which are the most important species to small-scale fishermen. Those numbers were cut in the Senate, and there were concerns that the industrial fleets would have the edge.

After heated discussion, the Senate finance committee decided to postpone voting, adding more heat to tensions. Fights broke out when police resorted to using force to disperse demonstrators, while other protesters retaliated before they could be brought under control.

Sonapesca, Chile’s organization for big industrial fishing companies, had not immediately made a comment on the events.

With more legislative obstacles to come, artisanal fishers promised to keep pushing for equitable quotas. Susana Olea, an artisanal fisher from Lebu who has been fishing for decades, warned that it’s livelihoods at risk. “It’s not only fishers whole communities rely on the sea,” she said, urging the cuttlefish to be kept entirely for small-scale fishers to safeguard their way of life.

Chile Faces Worst Blackout as Power Grid Fails, Shutting Down Metro and Businesses

February 26, 2025, 8:01 am

A major power outage struck Chile on Tuesday, leaving millions without electricity. As a result, chaos spread across the country. The outage extended from Arica in the north to Los Lagos in the south. Consequently, more than 90% of Chile’s 20 million residents lost power, according to the Senapred disaster agency. Notably, this was the country’s worst blackout in over a decade.

The power failure began in the afternoon and immediately shut down Santiago’s metro system. As a result, thousands of commuters had to evacuate underground stations. Since the metro serves 2.3 million passengers daily, the disruption caused widespread inconvenience. Fortunately, the metro company quickly deployed workers to assist with evacuations.

Government Rules Out Attack, Cites System Failure

Authorities ruled out sabotage or an attack as the cause of the blackout. Instead, they stated that a technical failure was the likely reason.

Meanwhile, the outage caused severe traffic congestion because traffic lights stopped working. Consequently, many residents had to walk for hours in the scorching heat to reach home. Additionally, shops and offices closed early due to the disruption.

Residents Struggle Amid the Blackout

Many people faced difficulties throughout the day. For example, Maria Angelica Roman, 45, expressed her frustration: “They let us leave work because of the power cut, but now I don’t know how we will get home because all the buses are full.”

Similarly, Jonathan Macalupu, a 25-year-old bank clerk, described the impact on his workplace: “All operations at the bank where I work had to stop.”

President Boric Assesses the Situation

In response, President Gabriel Boric flew over the capital in a helicopter to evaluate the crisis. Meanwhile, Chilevision aired footage of people stranded on a high amusement park ride in Santiago. Thankfully, rescuers helped them get down safely. In addition, local media reported cases of people stuck in elevators.

In Valparaíso, businesses shut down early. Furthermore, heavy traffic added to the chaos.

Worst Blackout in 15 Years

Chile has one of the most reliable power grids in South America. However, this was its worst blackout in nearly 15 years. Previously, in 2010, a power plant failure left hundreds of thousands in darkness for hours.

Humpback Whale Swallows Kayaker, Spits Him Out Moments Later | WATCH

February 14, 2025, 12:54 pm

A 24-year-old kayaker, Adrián Simancas, was briefly engulfed by a humpback whale off the coast of southern Chile and spat out unharmed. The encounter occurred off the San Isidro Lighthouse in the Strait of Magellan as Adrián and his father Dell were paddling their kayaks. The whale suddenly appeared, engulfing the kayak and its rider.

In the viral video, Dell yells “Relax! Relax!” as his son descended into the whale’s mouth. Adrián surfaced five seconds later, shaken but very much alive. He later recalled the experience, stating, “I thought it had swallowed me,” describing the slimy sensation and dark blue and white color that enveloped him as he descended. “At that moment, I thought I was going to die.”

Watch:

Dell remembered the instant of fear when he could not see Adrián or his kayak for a couple of seconds. “That was the only moment of fear I really had, because I didn’t see him for like three seconds. And suddenly he shot out,” he said to TVN Chile.

Marine biologists believe the whale was probably lunge-feeding, in which it comes up toward the surface with its mouth agape to capture krill or fish. “It looks like the kayak was in the middle of the whale’s feeding area,” said the University of Chile’s Maria Jose Perez. Wildlife specialist Vanessa Pirotta went on to clarify that humpback whales do not seek out humans deliberately and have constricted throats, which means physically they cannot swallow a human being.

The Strait of Magellan, which is famous for its abundance of marine life, such as dolphins and whales, is still a favorite destination for tourists. Yet, its icy waters, which can fall to 39°F (4°C) in the summer, pose a survival test. Even after the horrific experience, Adrián and Dell both said that they still love the ocean. When asked whether they would kayak again, they both said at the same time, “Of course.”

Chile Declares State Of Emergency As Destructive Wildfires Rage, Arson Suspected

February 9, 2025, 2:03 am

Chilean President Gabriel Boric has declared the country’s central and southern regions of Nuble and Maule under a state of emergency amid ongoing wildfire spreading. The threat continues to threaten the forests, homes, and lives. The declaration will involve curfews to curb any criminal activity related to the fires.

Speaking from the presidential palace, Boric said that some of the blazes in Araucania, a region south of Santiago, may have been arson attacks. “We will not permit the despicable acts of people or groups that are responsible for these events,” he said.

Currently, at least 15 active wildfires outbreaks have been recorded in Chile, these have further been fuelled by extreme heat temperatures that have already exceeded 40°C (104°F). There have been over 60 arrests made so far related to the fires in Araucania.

Chile has witnessed widespread wildfires in recent years. Fires in the Valparaiso region last year killed dozens and destroyed over 1,000 homes. Official investigations into the cause of the fires are being conducted while officials take urgent steps to prevent any further destruction.

Chilean Foreign Minister Alberto Klaveren Arrives For Two-Day Visit To India

August 28, 2024, 4:39 pm

Chilean Foreign Minister Alberto Klaveren arrived in the national capital on Tuesday for a two-day visit to India. During his stay, he will attend the second India-Chile Joint Commission Meeting to discuss bilateral cooperation with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and enhance relations between the two countries. Klaveren’s official visit to India is scheduled from August 27-29.

The Ministry of External Affairs shared a post on its X, “FM Alberto Klaveren of Chile arrives to a warm welcome in New Delhi for the second India-Chile Joint Commission Meeting.”

“An opportunity to discuss our bilateral cooperation and advance our ties further,” the post added.

Alberto van Klaveren, along with Chile’s Agriculture Minister Esteban Valenzuela, will take part in the Chile-India Business (Agriculture) Summit today before heading to Mumbai.

In a press release, MEA stated, “Chile is a key partner of India in the Latin American region. The forthcoming visit of Minister Klaveren will provide both sides an opportunity to review the progress in bilateral relations and explore new avenues for cooperation, further strengthening bilateral ties.”

In May, Chile’s Ambassador to India, Juan Angula, and Police Attache PDI (Policia De Investigaciones De Chile), Rafael Andres Tellez Benucci, visited the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) headquarters. They met with CBI Director Praveen Sood and other senior officials to discuss the collaboration between the CBI and PDI. They recognised the close collaboration between the CBI and PDI, particularly in tackling technology-enabled crimes, drug trafficking, and transnational crimes.

“During the visit, he held discussions with Praveen Sood, Director, CBI and senior officials of CBI. He acknowledged the close cooperation between CBI and PDI, especially in areas of combating technology-enabled crimes, drug trafficking and transnational crimes. He underscored the importance of collaborative efforts and thanked CBI for arranging events in the past with PDI, Chile, for exchange of expertise on forensics and combating organised crime,” CBI said in a press release.

The Chilean delegation toured the CBI’s Global Operations Centre. The two parties discussed enhancing their collaborative framework for police cooperation, according to the release.

Magnitude 7.3 Earthquake Strikes Chile: No Immediate Damage Reported

July 19, 2024, 10:30 am

On Thursday, a magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck near Antofagasta, Chile, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The quake hit at 9:51 p.m. local time and was located 265 kilometers east of the coastal city of Antofagasta, at a depth of 128 kilometers.

Details of the Earthquake

– Location: 41 kilometers southeast of San Pedro de Atacama, 265 kilometers east of Antofagasta
– Magnitude: 7.3
– Depth: 128 kilometers
– Time:9:51 p.m. local time
– Damage: No immediate reports of damage
– Tsunami Warning:No tsunami warning issued as of now (according to AFP)

Recent Earthquake History in Chile

Chile is known for its seismic activity due to its location on the Pacific Ocean’s “Ring of Fire.” The country has experienced some of the strongest earthquakes in history, including:

– 1960: 9.5 magnitude earthquake in Valdivia (strongest ever recorded)
– 2010: 8.8 magnitude earthquake and tsunami in Chile, which killed over 500 people

Other significant quakes include:

– 1965: 7.4 magnitude in La Ligua, 400 dead
– 1971: 7.5 magnitude in Valparaiso region, 90 dead
– 1985: 7.8 magnitude offshore Valparaiso, 177 dead
– 1998: 7.1 magnitude near the coast of northern Chile
– 2002: 6.6 magnitude at Chile-Argentina border
– 2003: 6.8 magnitude near the coast of central Chile
– 2004: 6.6 magnitude near Bio-Bio, central Chile
– 2005: 7.8 magnitude in Tarapaca, northern Chile, 11 dead
– 2007: 7.7 magnitude in Antofagasta, 2 dead
– 2007: 6.7 magnitude in Antofagasta
– 2008: 6.3 magnitude in Tarapaca
– 2009:6.5 magnitude offshore Tarapaca

Some tips that can help you to stay safe during an earthquake:

– Stay Calm: Keep calm and reassure those around you.
– Find a Safe Place: Move to an open area away from buildings.
– If Indoors: Take cover under a desk, table, or bed. Stay away from windows and glass.
– Avoid Rushing: Don’t rush to leave the building to avoid stampedes.
– If Outdoors: Move away from buildings, utility wires, and stop vehicles.
– Take Care of Pets: Let your pets run free to avoid injury.
– Avoid Flames: Do not use candles or matches, and put out any fires

Chile: Authorities Arrest Firefighter Suspected Of Sparking Fatal Fire In February That Killed 137

May 26, 2024, 4:04 pm

More than three months following the fatal fire in Chile, authorities have apprehended a firefighter and a forestry official on suspicion of igniting a blaze that claimed 137 lives in the resort town of Vina del Mar in February, Al Jazeera reported.

“An arrest warrant was issued today against the person who started the fires in February in the Valparaiso region,” where Vina del Mar is situated, stated police director Eduardo Cerna during a news conference.

Shortly after, the Valparaiso regional prosecutor’s office confirmed the arrest of a second suspect, an official of the National Forestry Corporation (Conaf), the entity responsible for combating forest fires and managing national parks. Both individuals will face charges of arson resulting in fatalities and will be detained pending trial.

According to Al Jazeera’s report on Saturday, numerous fires erupted simultaneously on February 2 around the coastal city of Vina del Mar, approximately 70 miles (110km) northwest of Chile’s capital, Santiago.

Ivan Navarro, chief of the environmental crime investigation authority, revealed that detectives reconstructed the actions of the arrested firefighter before, during, and after the fire. “We were able to determine the exact locations where the fires broke out and find the device that started them,” he stated. “We were also able to determine the involvement of a second person, accused of being the mastermind behind the arson.”

Furthermore, Public Ministry investigators found evidence indicating that the inferno originated from small simultaneous blazes near Lake Penuelas, next to Vina del Mar, before being exacerbated by hot and windy weather.

“All of us … knew that this had been an intentional attack,” remarked Vina del Mar Mayor Macarena Ripamonti. “Today we can have that degree of certainty.”

The blaze, the second deadliest worldwide this century, was intensified by winds and a heatwave, with temperatures reaching approximately 40 degrees Celsius, according to Al Jazeera.

Local media reported that the apprehended firefighter is a 22-year-old who joined the volunteer force a year and a half ago.

“We are completely devastated by what happened, it is a totally isolated incident … we have served Valparaiso for more than 170 years and cannot allow such things,” expressed Vicente Maggiolo, commander of the 13th Fire Company of the city of Valparaiso.

Raging forest fires in Chile kill 46; toll likely to rise

February 4, 2024, 9:18 am

Chilean President Gabriel Boric reported on Saturday that the ongoing forest fires in Chile have claimed the lives of 46 people, with expectations that the death toll may increase, according to NBC News. Interior Minister Carolina Toha, during a press conference, revealed that there are currently 92 active fires across Chile, affecting over 43,000 hectares and impacting more than 1,100 homes.

President Boric, in a virtual address, expressed condolences for the loss of lives and homes and assured Chileans that the government is actively mobilizing resources. He stated, “I know that it is a very difficult time to lose the house that was built with so many years of sacrifice. Losing a family member, a loved one, is a heartbreak impossible to measure, but rest assured that our government is deployed with all the human, technical and budgetary resources.”

The wildfires have led to evacuations in various regions of central Chile. While the fires this year haven’t spread as extensively as those in February 2023, Toha emphasized that they are rapidly multiplying and moving closer to urban areas, posing a high potential for affecting more people and structures.

The fires coincided with a heat wave affecting several Latin American countries. In response, President Boric declared a state of emergency, and red alerts were issued for vulnerable areas. The Education Ministry in Chile has established 20 shelters in Valparaiso, O’Higgins, and Los Lagos regions.

Boric conducted an aerial assessment of the impacted areas and highlighted the government’s proactive measures. “We have worked to have the greatest resources in our history to face the wildfire season and deploy them from day one to prevent (forest fires) and help people,” he stated, according to NBC News.

To combat the blazes, 19 helicopters and over 450 firefighters have been mobilized. All mass commercial events in Valparaiso, including sports, recreation, and cultural activities, were suspended to concentrate efforts on firefighting.