The president of the Spanish Government, Pedro Sánchez, said Monday that he does not rule out “no hypothesis” about the cause of the electric blackout that affects Spain and Portugal and stressed that the most important thing is to “return electricity to our homes.”
In an appearance from La Moncloa, headquarters of the Government Headquarters, after presiding over the extraordinary meeting of the National Security Council, he stressed that “there are no security problems” or hospitals supply, although they have asked citizens to make responsible use of the mobile phone.
The blackout that paralyzed Spain and Portugal began around 10.30 GMT for reasons that have not yet been clarified.
‘Electricity crisis‘
Sanchez explained that there has been a “strong swing” in the European electrical system that has triggered a “generalized interruption of the supply”, so Red Electrica has launched its security protocol and the government has declared a “electricity crisis.”
Red Electric Technicians work to “determine the causes and solve the problem as soon as possible” and, in that sense, it pointed out that combined and hydroelectric cycle power plants throughout the country have been reactivated, which “should allow to recover the electricity supply throughout Spain soon”.
The president acknowledged that there is no “conclusive information about the reasons for these cuts”, so it is better to “not speculate”, and asked citizens to inform themselves by official channels.
Sanchez explained that since the beginning of the supply cut all competent ministries have taken measures, while State Security Forces and Bodies have expanded their presence and surveillance in the streets, although at the moment “there are no insecurity problems.”
He has assured that the government is communicating with the king, with parliamentary groups, European partners, community institutions and NATO.
Reduced air traffic
The president has reported that port traffic works without incident, while the air has not been affected, although it has been decided to reduce it by 20 % to guarantee safety and fluid operation.
Regarding the railway, he explained that “he is detained for security reasons for passengers and that, while the average and long distance routes will not resume this Monday, the teams work to recover the vicinity” as soon as possible. “
He added that the hospital system works correctly, given that the structure groups of the health centers “are working without problems and also have a long autonomy”, while being given home to home with special needs.
On the economic level, he indicated that ATMs of many banks have been affected but wholesale and retail payment systems are working normally, as well as electronic banking.
Reduce displacements and mobile use
Sánchez has launched several recommendations, such as the minimum reduction of displacements and follow only official information, so as not to be victims of bulls and misinformations.
Also make a “responsible use of mobile”, because “telecommunications are at a critical moment” and we will spend “a few hours until we totally recover electricity”, so the so -called “must be brief” and the use of the emergency telephone “only when really necessary.”
With EFE information
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