Alicante, Spain, experienced significant disruptions on Monday, April 28, 2025, as a massive power outage affected not only the city but also much of Spain and parts of Europe. In response to this crisis, the Ayuntamiento de Alicante convened the Cecopal (Centro de Coordinación Operativa Local) at 1:30 PM, declaring a Nivel 2 emergency under the Municipal Emergency Plan.
The meeting led to immediate actions aimed at reinforcing security services, particularly in traffic regulation and crime prevention, as authorities worked to maintain order during the blackout. Local police were deployed at major traffic intersections to ensure safety and prevent accidents, while the Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat (FGV) suspended all Tram d'Alacant services due to the power failure, although no major incidents were reported.
Despite the chaos, the Miguel Hernández de Alicante-Elche airport managed to maintain normal operations, thanks to its emergency power generators. However, a minor incident occurred at El Corte Inglés on Avenida de Maisonnave and Pintor Aparicio, where a fire broke out in a generator, prompting an evacuation of the store.
In light of the situation, Mayor Luis Barcala urged residents to remain calm, advising them to limit their movements, avoid using elevators, and only call emergency services at 112 for urgent matters. He reassured the public that water supply was secure for homes connected to the municipal water network but encouraged responsible usage.
As the day progressed, the Centro Autonómico de Emergencias recommended further precautions, including minimizing the use of mobile and landline phones, avoiding unnecessary travel, and staying informed through official channels. The Teatro Principal canceled a scheduled concert, and the elevator at the Castillo de Santa Bárbara was closed for safety reasons, while the Mercado Central closed early.
By 6 PM, some areas in Valencia, Alicante, and Castellón began to regain power, with traffic lights and control centers in Valencia resuming operations without reliance on emergency generators. The power company indicated that regions such as the Community of Madrid, Murcia, Castilla-La Mancha, and the Comunitat Valenciana were among the last to have power restored.
In a related development, the mayor of Elche, Pablo Ruz, announced the suspension of classes for Tuesday, April 29, 2025, due to the ongoing power issues. This decision aligned with the Ayuntamiento of Alicante's announcement, which stated that while public schools would remain open, there would be no formal classes.
The Generalitat Valenciana issued a recommendation that schools open with dining and transportation services but without regular classes. This was particularly significant for the approximately 36,000 students in Elche who were expected to return to school after the Easter holidays.
Ruz emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “We don’t have time for families to prepare for tomorrow after a holiday and a day like today.” He urged residents to stay indoors as public lighting would not be restored for several hours.
In addition to the educational disruptions, various municipalities, including Alcoy, also suspended classes, while others like Orihuela, Petrer, and Santa Pola opted not to cancel school. The Cecopal of Elche decided to halt public activities at municipal sports facilities, echoing similar measures taken in Benidorm.
As the night wore on, the Ayuntamiento of Valencia warned residents of reduced water pressure overnight to ensure adequate supply during the emergency. Meanwhile, Cruz Roja opened shelters at local train stations and prepared facilities for any necessary assistance.
As of late Monday, the causes of the widespread power outage remained undetermined, with officials working diligently to assess the situation and prevent future occurrences. The municipal authorities are expected to provide further updates as they monitor the restoration of services.
The situation in Alicante serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in modern infrastructure and the importance of community resilience in the face of unforeseen challenges. As the city works to recover from this incident, the focus will remain on ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents while restoring normalcy to daily life.
