Blackouts latest: 'Rare atmospheric phenomenon' triggers huge blackouts in Portugal and Spain
news.sky.com
Huge power outages have hit major cities across Spain and Portugal. Flights, traffic lights, trains, phone networks and card payments have been affected, with reports of panic-buying at supermarkets. Follow the latest here.
  • TʜᴇʀᴀᴘʏGⒶʀʏ⁽ᵗʰᵉʸ‘ᵗʰᵉᵐ⁾@lemmy.blahaj.zoneEnglish
    9·
    1 day ago

    English summary:

    • A massive power outage struck most of Spain, Portugal, parts of southern France, and Andorra around 12:30 PM CET on April 28, 2025 (3.5hrs ago).
    • Electricity consumption dropped by about 50%, causing widespread disruption.
    • Possible causes include a rare atmospheric phenomenon affecting high-voltage lines or a cyberattack; investigations are ongoing.
    • The blackout disrupted traffic lights, public transport (trains, metro), airports, and telecommunications.
    • Hospitals operated on emergency power; many surgeries were suspended; urgent patient transfers prioritized.
    • Emergency plans were activated; Madrid raised its emergency level and considered military support to maintain order.
    • Power restoration began gradually but full recovery could take 6 to 10 hours.
    • The outage affected supermarkets, businesses, and public services, causing closures and delays.