Chile’s president has declared a state of emergency after an electricity blackout plunged most of the country into darkness on Tuesday, including the capital Santiago.

A sweeping power blackout has left most of Chile in darkness. Tuesday's blackout sent internet and phone services offline, paralyzed businesses and forced evacuations of tunnels and subways in the South American nation.

Chile on Tuesday declared a state of emergency and curfew across much of the country, including the capital Santiago, following a massive, rare blackout that left millions without power.

The Chile Open was thrown into chaos after a nationwide blackout left millions without power, forcing tournament organizers to suspend play and evacuate.

A massive blackout hit Chile on Tuesday, affecting 14 of the country’s 16 regions, including the capital Santiago and its surrounding area, the National Disaster Prevention and Response Service (Senapred) said.

Chileans returned to a sense of normalcy on Wednesday after a state of emergency was lifted and authorities said power was restored to most homes following the country's worst blackout in well over a decade.

Chile's worst blackout in well over a decade struck on Tuesday afternoon, leaving millions without power. President Gabriel Boric blamed private companies that manage the grid for the system's failure.