Social media users highlighted the importance of battery-operated radios as the only reliable source of emergency information, while critics pointed to the fragility of the current system.
After a large blackout left much of Chile without electricity last Tuesday, millions of people were affected and left without communication. All courtesy of the fact that the telecommunications antenna service and the internet completely collapsed.
In this scenario, and in the absence of real-time information, social media users began to highlight the importance of having battery-powered radios to access news in emergencies such as the decision to declare a curfew.
Will we have to go back to copper wire telephones? Cell phones ‘died’ in the emergency. Explanations do not serve in the face of a serious episode. Earthquake, tsunami, flooding, or light cut like yesterday. Totally incommunicado. Only battery radio worked, said the renowned journalist, and radio voice Sergio Campos.
Many also recalled that this device has been key during earthquakes and other disasters in the country, although there was no shortage of jokes.
“Serious question: does everyone really have a battery radio?,” said a user on the X platform. “It’s always good to have one. My mother-in-law has one and it’s super old, but it works. And the radio too”, joked comedian Luis Slimming.
Although some users admitted to not having a functional radio at home, implying that they had not previously considered it necessaru due to the outdated technology, other users reinforced the importance of having one of these reliable devices that allow them to stay in touch.
The work of the radio stations that continued to operate during the emergency was also highlighted. And there was no shortage of criticism of telephone phone companies and the widespread use of smartphones that do not have an integrated FM Radio.
“I want to give a round of applause to the Chilean radio stations. We would still be going around in circles if it weren’t for the fact that they continued to broadcast and report what was happening. Every Chilean home should have a battery-operated radio,” wrote @satoruswft.
It remains to be noted that Chile has historically faced natural events that disrupt basic services, but the current dependence on the Internet and cell phones has created a gap in preparation for blackouts.
So, keep this in mind: a battery-operated radio is still a must-have in an emergency.
