The massive power outages have damaged parts of Spain, Portugal and southern France, leaving millions without electricity, according to grid operators. The cause of the power outage has not been determined.
Spain’s railway operator ADIF confirmed that trains across the country were stopped, while airport operator AENA reported several incidents at Spanish airports. Cell phone networks have also declined, with many residents in Madrid and Barcelona trying to reconnect by lifting their smartphones. Since the internet is not accessible, people turn to broadcasts to get information.
When traffic lights go out, power outages also cause widespread traffic problems, forcing vehicles to slow down. The subway system and trains were suspended and Spain’s National Roads Authority urged motorists to stop using the road. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is meeting with the Red Electric Authority to discuss the situation. Power recovery efforts are underway, with some areas in northern and southern Spain seeing partial recovery.
