Venezuela again in the dark after a blackout described by Maduro as an "electromagnetic attack"

Most of Venezuela is bogged down in the dark after several states had occurred and Caracas suffered a blackout on Monday afternoon, which led to the evacuation. office buildings and the closure of the capital's metro. According to local media, At least 15 states and the capital lost power from 16:30.. The Caracas metro system has closed its three lines and provided buses, according to the Twitter account of the state television.

"The first indications received from the investigation in the lower part of Caroni state the existence of an electromagnetic attack aimed at affecting the Guayana hydropower generation system," said the Minister of Transport. Communication and Information, Jorge Rodríguez, in a statement state television VTV.

"Fortunately, and after the artisbad attacks of March and April of this year, the government (…) has put in place protocols of protection and security allowing us to ensure that we are already reconnecting to restore the energy service electricity as soon as possible, "added Rodriguez.

President Nicolás Maduro and his government have insisted that the electrical problems are the product of sabotage and sophisticated "electromagnetic attacks" of local and American opposition, while experts and critics of the industry highlight the lack of investment and maintenance. Power outages in March reduced already-reduced oil production, which fell to zero in some areas for several days.

The Maduro diet rations electricity in more than 20 states since April, excluding Caracas from the restriction to avoid provoking demonstrations. However, de facto rationing has been in force in the country and in Caracas for years.

The power outage also affected Puerto Ordaz, a town near the Guri hydropower plant, on which most of the country depends. and at the Guayana hydroelectric power station, which produces more than 60 percent of the country's electricity and is located in the state of Bolívar, in the southeastern part of the country, said Rodríguez.

Power outages are common in Venezuela, especially in the western zone. The government generally blames them for sabotage The opposition and the specialists hold him responsible for the lack of investment in infrastructure, impericia and corruption. in the midst of an economic crisis.

"They tried to hide the tragedy with rations all over the country, but the failure is obvious: they destroyed the electrical system and have no response," reacted on Monday the head of the government. opposition, Juan Guaidó, head of the parliament recognized as president of Venezuela. One hundred countries.

S.D.