Spain Declares State of Emergency After Massive Blackout

The Spanish Ministry of Interior has declared a state of emergency following a widespread blackout that affected most of the Iberian Peninsula. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that the emergency measures will be applied to regions requesting them. So far, the regions of Madrid, Andalusia, and Extremadura have asked the central government to take over public order and other functions after the massive power outage. Residents who spoke to Reuters said that electricity has been partially restored in some neighborhoods of central Madrid after eight hours. According to the network operator REE, the issue has been resolved for 20% of mainland Spain. ‘More than one-fifth of the demand has been restored, with 5,508 MW coming from autonomous production and connection with France. Electricity is gradually being restored in all areas,’ stated REE. Both Spain and Portugal faced chaos as people waited endlessly at airports and train stations paralyzed by the situation. Madrid REUTERS / Susana Vera Barcelona REUTERS/Nacho Doce. Chaos ensued on the roads while businesses experienced operational issues due to the lack of power.