On April 28, 2025, a widespread blackout struck all provinces of Andalusia, Spain, leading to significant disruptions across the region. The blackout, which began around 12:30 PM, affected traffic signals, public transport, and internet service, creating chaos in cities like Seville, Córdoba, and Granada.
The president of the Junta de Andalucía, Juanma Moreno, addressed the media from the Centro de Coordinación Operativa Integrada (Cecopi) after an emergency meeting with local authorities. He confirmed that despite the unprecedented situation, there were no reported fatalities or severe injuries. "We are in an unprecedented situation that my generation has never experienced," Moreno stated. "When we realized this was more than a minor incident, we activated the Territorial Emergency Plan."
Classes were suspended at the Universidad Pablo de Olavide for Tuesday, April 29, 2025, due to a red alert, while schools across the region will remain open but without educational activities. President Pedro Sánchez announced that schools in multiple autonomous communities, including Andalusia, will be accessible, but no classes will be held due to the ongoing crisis.
As of the latest updates, approximately 35% of the population in Andalusia had regained electricity. Moreno expressed gratitude for the support from neighboring countries, stating, "We are receiving assistance from France and Morocco to restore power distribution."
The blackout also led to several incidents, including a fire at a solar panel plant in Fuentes de Andalucía and numerous rescues by the Bomberos de Sevilla, who responded to individuals trapped in elevators. Ten rescues were reported across the province of Seville, with firefighters assisting residents facing mobility issues.
Moreno emphasized the importance of a coordinated response, requesting the central government to declare a national emergency. "This crisis exceeds our regional capabilities, and we need additional support to ensure public safety," he said. The Junta has requested increased security in rural areas and urban centers to prevent potential looting and maintain order.
In Seville, the situation at the Santa Justa train station was chaotic, with many travelers stranded due to train service suspensions. Passengers reported feeling faint as they waited for updates, with some needing assistance to evacuate. The Ministry of Transport confirmed that train stations in Seville, Córdoba, and Málaga would remain open overnight to accommodate those affected by the blackout.
Amid the crisis, hospitals continued to function on backup generators, with the Hospital Virgen del Rocío reporting that they had to dim lights to conserve energy. Operations scheduled for the evening were postponed, but emergency services remained operational.
As the blackout unfolded, local authorities urged residents to minimize travel unless necessary and to rely on official communication channels for updates. The Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) warned of severe traffic congestion due to non-functional traffic lights, advising against driving in affected areas.
In Granada, the local government activated its emergency plan, reporting that 18 rescues were underway for individuals trapped in elevators. The city's commerce was largely paralyzed, and police worked to regulate traffic in the absence of functional signals.
As the situation developed, the Red Eléctrica Española (REE) confirmed that power restoration efforts were underway, with the goal of fully restoring service within six to ten hours. Moreno reassured the public that efforts were being made to return to normalcy and that all necessary resources were being deployed.
In response to the ongoing crisis, the Ayuntamiento de Huelva activated the emergency phase of their territorial plan, coordinating with local emergency services to ensure public safety. Meanwhile, the mayor of Seville called for calm, emphasizing the importance of following official guidelines during the crisis.
The blackout has drawn attention to the vulnerabilities in Spain's energy infrastructure, with investigations already underway to determine the root cause. The Centro de Ciberseguridad is examining the possibility of a cyberattack, although initial reports suggest a rare atmospheric phenomenon may have triggered the failures.
As residents grappled with the aftermath of the blackout, many flocked to bakeries and supermarkets, leading to long lines as people sought food and supplies. The DGT reported that some areas were running low on essentials due to the disruption of services.
Looking ahead, the Junta de Andalucía plans to assess the impact of the blackout and implement measures to prevent future occurrences. Moreno noted, "It is crucial that we learn from this experience to strengthen our energy security and ensure that we can respond more effectively to such crises in the future."
As the situation continues to evolve, residents are urged to stay informed and heed the advice of local authorities. The recovery process is expected to take time, but with ongoing efforts from both local and national governments, there is hope for a return to normalcy in the near future.
