Massive power cut sparks crisis talks amid cyberattack fears
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez convened a crisis meeting at the Spanish Energy Network Control Centre due to a massive power outage that affected millions of citizens across Spain (excluding the islands) and Portugal. Authorities do not rule out that the cause of the power failure could have been a cyberattack.
The largest power outage in Spain's recent history affected millions of citizens across the mainland (except for the islands) and Portugal. Power has been out since 11:00 GMT. The power cut paralysed the normal functioning of infrastructure, mobile communications, roads (with widespread traffic light failures), along with railway stations, airports, companies, and buildings - hundreds of incidents with lifts 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 surprised residents of Spain, Portugal, and parts of France, prompting Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to convene a crisis meeting at the Spanish Energy Network Control Centre.
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 power outages with the assistance of various technical teams, although there is still no official explanation of what happened.
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 risk of accidents. "The lack of power prevents traffic lights and signals from operating," it was stated in a communiqué. In some areas, police officers are directing traffic.
The blackout paralysed life in Spain and Portugal
The outage completely paralysed life in large cities; the metro is not working, nor are high-speed railways and airports. Many people were stuck in lifts and needed to be freed. Shopping centres, museums, and public buildings were also evacuated.
Restaurants, cafés, and many shops are closed. ATMs cannot be used. Giant traffic jams are forming in cities.
It is not yet known when power will be fully restored. According to Red Eléctrica, the Spanish transmission network operator, it may take from 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," the network operator Red Eléctrica stated on Monday.
