Venezuela is gradually restoring electricity after a massive blackout that affected 90% of the country on Friday morning. The blackout caused significant disruptions, including chaos in hospitals, long queues at gas stations, and citizens gathering in public spaces to charge their mobile phones. President Nicolás Maduro has accused the opposition of orchestrating a 'criminal' attack on the power grid, specifically targeting the Guri hydroelectric plant. Authorities are investigating the incident, which is seen as the largest blackout since 2019, and the government has claimed that technological protections put in place after previous outages have mitigated further damage.
By midday, electricity had returned to major cities such as Caracas, Maracaibo, Valencia, and Puerto Ordaz, though many areas still experienced intermittent supply. Reports indicate ongoing challenges in hospitals, with some only attending to emergency cases due to power outages. The situation has sparked public frustration, with citizens resorting to makeshift charging stations in squares and struggling to access basic services. Local media have highlighted the chaos at gas stations, where long lines of vehicles have formed.
In the backdrop of the blackout, political tensions are escalating. The Venezuelan Prosecutor's Office has summoned opposition candidate Edmundo González Urrutia for questioning regarding the publication of voting records from the disputed July 28 presidential elections. This is the third summons in less than a week, and González faces the threat of arrest. The government continues to face scrutiny from international observers and human rights organizations regarding its handling of the electoral process and the treatment of dissenters.
- The blackout occurred amidst a politically charged atmosphere following the recent presidential elections, which have been marred by allegations of fraud and manipulation. Maduro's government has been accused of using the blackout to deflect attention from the electoral controversies, including claims of a cyber attack that the opposition disputes. Former electoral officials have stated that there is no evidence to support the government's claims of hacking. The situation remains fluid as investigations continue and the opposition mobilizes in response to the government's actions.
- The humanitarian impact of the blackout is severe, with many citizens struggling to access essential services. The situation in hospitals has been particularly dire, with reports of facilities unable to operate without power. The government has activated contingency plans to address the crisis, but the effectiveness of these measures is under scrutiny as many regions remain affected. Additionally, the government's narrative blaming the opposition for the blackout has intensified the already fraught political climate in Venezuela.
