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BARCELONA - SPAIN: A widespread power outage struck Spain and Portugal on Monday, halting transportation, cutting phone services, and disrupting daily life for millions across the Iberian Peninsula. Authorities attributed the blackout to a "strong oscillation" in the European grid but have not yet determined the exact cause. Power restoration was expected to take 6-10 hours, with voltage gradually returning by mid-afternoon.
The outage, one of the most severe in recent European history, impacted major cities including Madrid and Lisbon, shutting down subways, railways, and traffic lights. Offices closed, ATMs stopped working, and mobile networks faced disruptions, though some apps remained functional. In Barcelona, residents resorted to battery-powered radios, while civilians directed traffic manually.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez convened an emergency meeting of the National Security Council and thanked France and Morocco for supplying emergency power. Portugal’s government confirmed the issue likely originated in Spain’s distribution network, though no cyberattack was detected.
The blackout affected a combined population of 60 million, though Spain’s Canary Islands, Balearic Islands, and African territories remained unaffected. Hospitals and emergency services relied on backup generators, while airports operated with delays. Train services were suspended, and the Madrid Open tennis tournament halted play.
Authorities continue investigating the cause, with full power restoration expected by late Monday. Residents were urged to limit car use and prepare for lingering disruptions. The event underscores vulnerabilities in continental energy grids as Europe braces for potential sabotage risks.