On April 28, 2025, the Region of Murcia faced an unprecedented power outage that resulted in widespread disruptions across various sectors. The blackout, which impacted nearly the entire region, led to the suspension of educational activities, social services, and planned surgical operations at local hospitals.
Fernando López Miras, the president of the Region of Murcia, announced the immediate suspension of all educational activities in response to the crisis. He stated, "The priority of the Community is to ensure the electrical supply in health centers using generators." This decision came as hospitals, including Reina Sofía, Morales Meseguer, and Virgen de La Arrixaca, halted all planned surgical activities for the afternoon to ensure patient safety amid the chaos.
The blackout, described as the worst in recent Spanish history due to its extensive reach, affected transportation systems significantly. Train services were canceled, leaving numerous travelers stranded, particularly at the Carmen train station in Murcia. Tram services in the capital were also disrupted, forcing passengers to abandon their journeys and seek alternative means of transport.
Traffic conditions deteriorated rapidly as traffic lights ceased functioning, leading to severe congestion and minor accidents throughout the region. The local police reported that San Javier experienced a complete traffic collapse due to the lack of signalization, prompting the Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) to advise drivers to avoid unnecessary travel.
In light of the emergency, the 112 emergency services activated Level 1 of the Territorial Emergency Plan (PLATEMUR), mobilizing resources to address the situation. López Miras convened a crisis cabinet and appeared before the media to reassure residents, stating, "The priority is to maintain calm and be aware that we are taking necessary measures." He emphasized the importance of ensuring that hospitals and care facilities received adequate electrical supply.
As the evening progressed, power began to return to various municipalities, with reports confirming that by 23:50 hours, 22 towns, including Murcia, Cartagena, and Alcantarilla, regained electricity. However, many residents remained without power for hours, leading to a sense of panic and uncertainty. Some supermarkets closed around 14:00 hours due to the inability to process payments, while others struggled to keep perishable goods available.
In Cartagena, local authorities activated Level 2 of the Territorial Civil Protection Plan, seeking assistance and resources from the regional government. The Repsol plant in the area also reported halting operations, advising residents of Alumbres to stay indoors with windows closed as a precaution, although safety systems were reportedly functioning normally.
Despite the chaos, the International Airport of the Region of Murcia continued to operate, thanks to backup generators. Flights arriving from the UK landed without incident, and the airport maintained its schedule amidst the widespread outages.
As the situation developed, President Pedro Sánchez addressed the nation, confirming that educational centers would reopen on April 29 but without regular academic activities. He acknowledged the severity of the blackout and the need for a comprehensive evaluation of its economic impact once normalcy was restored.
In the aftermath of the blackout, López Miras expressed gratitude to the public for their calmness and responsibility during the crisis. He noted, "Once normality is restored, it will be time to evaluate the economic impact of this incident." This sentiment echoed throughout the region as residents began to assess the fallout from the disruption.
The blackout's effects were felt not only in transportation and healthcare but also in the judicial system, where court proceedings were halted due to the lack of electricity. The extent of the impact on legal proceedings remains to be fully assessed as authorities work to restore order.
As the region slowly returned to normal, the government urged residents to remain vigilant and report any issues related to health and safety, particularly for those dependent on electrical devices. The emergency services received nearly 900 calls related to the blackout, highlighting the widespread concern among the population.
In conclusion, the power outage in the Region of Murcia serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in modern infrastructure. As authorities continue to respond to the aftermath, the focus will shift to recovery and ensuring that such an incident does not recur in the future.
