A huge power outage hit Spain, Portugal, and parts of France on Monday. As a result, large areas lost electricity. The blackout caused serious problems with the electrical grid. Consequently, homes, businesses, mobile networks, and transportation services faced major disruptions.
Meanwhile, Evan Beckerman, co-founder of an automotive parts company, shared his experience from a train station. He posted a video on Instagram with the caption, “Total power outage across Spain and Portugal… Currently waiting for a train to Valencia but EVERYTHING on pause… Now we wait.” His footage clearly showed the confusion at a packed train station.
In the video, Beckerman captured passengers standing with their luggage. He panned his camera across the crowded scene to show the extent of the disruption.
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Mobile Networks and Airports Severely Affected
Furthermore, the blackout disrupted mobile networks in both Spain and Portugal. Many people struggled to make calls and use the internet. In addition, Madrid’s Barajas International Airport faced problems. Several airports across the region temporarily halted operations.
Public Transport Services Collapsed
Similarly, public transport services suffered massive disruption. According to Euronews Portugal, trains got stranded in tunnels. As a result, passengers were trapped inside metros in Lisbon and Madrid. Portuguese police confirmed that train services were suspended across the country. They also announced that metro operations in Lisbon and Porto had been shut down. Moreover, traffic signals across Portugal went dark, reported Reuters.
Spanish Government Responds Swiftly
As the crisis deepened, the Spanish government moved into action. According to Euronews Spain, officials held an emergency meeting at Moncloa Palace. They closely monitored the situation and organized the national response.
Blackout Impact Reaches Beyond Spain and Portugal
Additionally, the blackout affected more than just Spain and Portugal. Residents in Andorra and southern France near the Spanish border also experienced outages. Reports even indicated disruptions in Belgium. Consequently, the widespread blackout raised new concerns about the stability of Europe’s electrical grid.