Over 61,000 households in central and southern Chile remain without power after extreme weather damaged local infrastructure over a week ago, according to the government's Friday report.
Chile's government urged power distribution companies to expedite maintenance on Friday morning, demanding that power be restored to 20,000 households within 24 hours.
Earlier this month, central and southern Chile experienced the most destructive winds and rainfall in 30 years, with wind speeds of up to 120 kilometers per hour. Trees were blown down, and power lines were destroyed.
Compounding the issue, most of the households in the country use traditional power meters, which makes it difficult for power companies to monitor the condition of end users, and for the national emergency response to send maintenance staff in time.
Chile has experienced more frequent extreme weather in the past 20 years. Experts suggest that power lines in the country need to be renewed and buried, and upgrading to smarter power meters can also help to tackle further power cuts.
Storms leave over 61,000 households without power in Chile
Storms leave over 61,000 households without power in Chile
Storms leave over 61,000 households without power in Chile
Storms leave over 61,000 households without power in Chile
Macao has been emerging as a global hub for conventions and exhibitions in recent years by exploring the enormous opportunities in the sector, driving the region to advance its economic diversification and embrace a brighter future.
Macao has received many awards this year, such as the Best Convention City (Asia) and the Best BT-MICE City, showcasing the recognition for and influence of Macao's exhibition industry.
More than 1,000 electronic game enthusiasts from all over the world gathered recently in Macao to participate in a esports themed event.
Su Zhili, organizer of the event, said that Macao's rich experience in hosting large-scale events, coupled with its good infrastructure, has driven him to choose the region as an ideal destination to hold such an activity.
"Macao has held many similar large-scale events. It has rich experience, and the facilities at the venue are relatively mature, so we can start our work comfortably," said Su.
During the first three quarters of 2024, Macao held more than 1,000 conferences and exhibitions in total.
"We will invite more professional, special conferences to be held in Macao and also cultivate more exhibition brands with international influence in Macao, so as to promote Macao's exhibitions to be more market-oriented, professional, international, digital and greener from various aspects. This is our goal," said Elaine Wong, member of the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute.
In addition, multiple large exhibitions and conferences, such as the Macao International Trade and Investment fair, the Macao Franchise Expo, and the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, are held regularly in Macao.
With the introduction of a series of policies and measures to facilitate the exchanges between the mainland and Macao, as well as the construction and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Macao's convention and exhibition industry will embrace more opportunities for development in the foreseeable future.
"We have such a good industrial base in the Greater Bay Area. The mode of 'Convention and Exhibition + Industry' not only integrates the industries of Macao, but also the industries of the Greater Bay Area. In addition, Macao actively integrates into the national development and plays a role in the Belt and Road. Why are we so confident in Macao's convention and exhibition sector? Because it is backed by the motherland, and the country gives Macao great support," said Alan Ho, chairman of the Macao Association of Convention, Exhibition and Tourism Sectors.
Macao emerges as global hub for conventions and exhibitions, driving economic diversification and international recognition
