Source: The Guardian, April 29, 2025
A massive power outage struck Spain and Portugal on April 28, 2025, affecting tens of millions and described as the worst blackout in their history. The outage halted trains, grounded flights, and disrupted daily life, leaving people stranded in trains, airports, and public spaces.
For example, tourists Renato and Diana were trapped on a train for nine hours without food, water, or air conditioning, as temperatures rose and restrooms became unusable.
In Madrid, sports centers and train stations became makeshift shelters, with one woman describing sleeping “on the floor like dogs” at Barcelona’s Sants station. The outage also affected cashless payments and ATMs, forcing reliance on analog methods.
- Stranded Travelers: People were trapped in trains and lifts, with children and the elderly facing particular distress due to rising temperatures and lack of resources.
- Loss of Modern Conveniences: Without power, digital payments, phone services, and traffic systems failed, disrupting commerce and mobility.
- Makeshift Living: Residents and tourists resorted to camping stoves, candles, and public shelters, underscoring the chaos of sudden power loss.