Ecuador Hit by Nationwide Blackout, Affecting 18 Million and Hydroelectric Plants

Jun 19, 2024, 10:05 PM

Ecuador has been hit by a nationwide blackout, leaving the entire country without power. The blackout, which began on Wednesday afternoon, was caused by a failure in a key transmission line, leading to a cascade disconnection. Public Works Minister Roberto Luque confirmed that authorities are working to restore power. The blackout has affected critical infrastructure, including the capital's subway system and internet connectivity, which has dropped to 44% of its normal levels. The power outage is also linked to issues in the country's hydroelectric plants, including Coca-Codo Sinclaire, Agoyan, and San Francisco, exacerbated by severe drought conditions that have left reservoirs at critically low levels. The situation has been described as an energy crisis, with the nation's 18 million residents impacted.