Your search

  04/28/2025 80219626

Traffic lights out in Lisbon as authorities step up patrols

Lisbon, Apr 28 (EFE).– Traffic lights are out across Portugal due to a major power outage, and the National Republican Guard (GNR) has stepped up patrols to ensure public safety, while urging drivers to exercise caution. Camera: Carlos Caselles. General views of Lisbon city in the hours following the power outage and interviews with local residents. 1- "We were at home getting ready to leave when suddenly the power went out. We had a fan running because of the heat, and it stopped. We thought, 'What happened?' because we hadn’t plugged anything extra in. Sometimes the power goes out at home, but this time, the breaker panel didn’t work at all. It simply stopped, and we wondered what was happening. We didn’t pay much attention because we were already late. Now we’ve heard there was a blackout in Portugal, Spain, and other countries." 2- "I'm having difficulties because I can't contact anyone right now for one simple reason: I have to save some battery. I think everyone is fine, but since this is a nationwide issue, I feel a bit more reassured. Fortunately, I don’t have anyone in the hospital needing medical equipment that requires electricity, but I know this is a major crisis. I have family in the countryside, and there might be problems not just with communication but also with essential goods, which is even more serious." 3- "I was on Alexandre Herculano Street, near Avenida da Liberdade, when the lights went out. Now there are issues with mobile coverage, and I’m also having trouble because my phone battery is low, and I can’t charge it." 4- "We can’t be sad or discouraged; we must keep a positive spirit. But it’s worrisome, very worrisome."

•