Massive blackout cripples Spain and Portugal, cyberattack suspected
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez convened a crisis meeting at the Spanish Energy Network Control Center due to a massive power outage that affected millions of citizens across Spain (excluding the islands) and Portugal. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of a cyberattack as the cause of the power failure.
The largest power outage in recent Spanish history affected millions of citizens across the country (excluding the islands) and Portugal. The power has been out since 6:00 a.m. ET. This outage has paralyzed the normal functioning of infrastructure, mobile communications, roads (widespread traffic light failures), railway stations, airports, companies, and buildings. Hundreds of incidents with elevators have been reported. Hospitals have not yet felt the impact of the outage as they are using generators, reports elpais.com.
The scale of the outage, which surprised residents of Spain, Portugal, and parts of France, prompted Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to convene a crisis meeting at the Spanish Energy Network Control Center.
Authorities do not rule out a cyberattack
There is still no official explanation for the power outages, although no option has been ruled out, including the possibility of a cyberattack. Authorities in Spain and Portugal are investigating the outages with support from various technical teams, yet an official explanation is still pending.
Due to widespread power outages across the peninsula, the General Directorate of Traffic urges the public to avoid driving unless absolutely necessary, due to the increased risk of accidents. "The lack of power prevents traffic lights and signals from operating," according to a communiqué. In some areas, police officers are directing traffic manually.
The blackout paralyzed life in Spain and Portugal
The outage completely paralyzed life in large cities; the metro is not working, and high-speed rail and airports have been affected. Many people were trapped in elevators and needed assistance to be freed. Shopping malls, museums, and public buildings were also evacuated.
Restaurants, cafés, and many shops are closed. ATMs are out of service, and massive traffic jams are forming in cities.
It is not yet known when power will be fully restored. According to Red Electrica, the Spanish transmission network operator, it may take 6 to 10 hours.
"The cause of the extensive power grid failure in Spain is still unknown, but it is the most serious situation of this kind in the country's history," stated the network operator Red Electrica on Monday.
