Security

ATMs lose power during massive power outage in Spain, Portugal

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April 29, 2025

A major blackout impacted large swaths of Spain and Portugal on April 28. The blackout shut down ATMs, phone service and traffic lights for millions or residents, according to a report by PBS.

Red Electrica, a Spanish power company, has not stated what caused the outage and said it would take around six to 10 hours to restore power. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez blamed a "strong oscillation" in the power grid.

Subway systems shut down in Barcelona and Lisbon, while hospitals had to switch to generators.

It is unclear if this event was caused by sabotage from outside actors, such as from Russia.