Venezuela paralyzed nationwide by power outage for two consecutive days

Most of Venezuela was left without power due to a breakdown at the main hydroelectric plant. Photo: BBC

The BBC quoted information from Venezuela's National Electric Corporation as saying that 21 out of 23 states in the country have been without power since Thursday afternoon (March 7). The government of President Nicolas Maduro blamed the incident on the opposition sabotage of the Guri hydroelectric plant, an important hydroelectric plant in Venezuela.

A massive power outage has paralyzed the capital Caracas and other parts of Venezuela. Schools, offices and public transportation have been shut down. Flights to and from Caracas airport have been diverted, and thousands of workers have been laid off.

Venezuelan state media reported late yesterday that power had been restored in some areas of the capital Caracas. However, according to reports, about 15 of Venezuela's 23 states were still affected by the blackout.

Schools, offices and factories across Venezuela have been closed due to power outages. In this photo, people walk home as public transportation is shut down. Photo: EPA

Caracas residents patiently queue outside banks. Photo: EPA

President Maduro accused this of being an act of sabotage by the opposition led by Juan Guaido, who declared himself interim president and has the support of the United States.

For his part, Mr Guaido said the blackout was a matter of “chaos, anxiety and anger”, adding that “the light will return” once Mr Maduro is removed.

Venezuela is facing a shortage of electricity amid an economic crisis. To cope with this situation, President Maduro's government has implemented a policy of rolling blackouts.