Alert: Power Outages in Southern Europe

Spain  

As of the evening of April 28, Spain's energy distribution company Red Electrica had restored power in parts of Andalusia, Aragon, Asturias, Basque Country, Castilla-La Mancha, Castile and Leon, Catalonia, Extremadura, Galicia, Madrid, Murcia, Navarre, Rioja, and the Valencian Community. Technicians expect the country's energy grid to return to normal function by early April 29. Spain's nuclear reactors remain in safety mode, but authorities plan to reconnect the reactors to the electrical grid in the coming hours. As of the evening, Red Electrica has restored about 20 percent of power.

Despite the ongoing efforts to restore power, widespread disruptions to transport, business, and telecommunications continue. Law enforcement personnel and emergency services are operating at limited capacity, prioritizing critical emergencies. Authorities canceled about 20-30 percent of flights through Madrid's Adolfo Suarez Barajas Airport (MAD). Rail transport is experiencing severe disruptions, and passengers remain trapped on at least 26 trains nationwide. Fuel filling stations across Spain have stopped operating. Healthcare facilities are experiencing minimal impacts due to the presence of backup generators. Some water distribution outages have been reported in areas relying on pumps.

Portugal

Portuguese authorities expect to restore power to the Porto metropolitan area around 20:30 and to Lisbon around 23:59. Technicians have reportedly restored power in the Abrantes area of the Medio Tejo region as well as parts of Porto and Santarem. Officials indicate that it will take at least several hours to reestablish power nationwide. Air travel disruptions are continuing at Lisbon's Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) as of the evening of April 28; departing flights will not resume until 22:00 at the earliest, and arriving flights are being redirected to other airports. Authorities mobilized military personnel as part of the emergency response protocol to provide support to law enforcement and assist in managing transport and other disruptions. Rail travel disruptions are occurring. Security and emergency staff continue to work at limited capacity.

Police and other security services will almost certainly deploy to affected areas to monitor the situation. Temporary business and communications disruptions are likely in the coming hours as utility providers work to restore power. Traffic disruptions are likely due to malfunctioning traffic signals. Railway and air travel will likely continue to be disrupted in the coming hours. Many essential facilities such as automated teller machines (ATMs) and fueling stations will likely remain out of service for the duration of the blackout.

Andorra

Andorra reportedly experienced limited power outages that were resolved within a few minutes. No additional blackouts were reported through the afternoon of April 28. 

• Charge mobile and communication devices when possible and ensure backup batteries are available.  
• Plan for road travel delays due to possible malfunctioning or nonfunctional traffic lights in affected areas.
• Exercise caution when driving in recently impacted areas.
• Confirm business appointments.
• Verify that security systems are working.
• Park vehicles in secure areas, and complete ground movements before nightfall.
• Ensure that generators are functional and refuel devices where necessary.
• Reconfirm all public transport services, including flights, into at least early April 29.

 If you are in the affected area and need assistance, contact global security assistance.   

The following alert was taken from Crisis24 Horizon.