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Power cut leaves most of Venezuela without electricity | |
(about 4 hours later) | |
A power cut has left 70% of Venezuela without electricity, including parts of the capital Caracas. | |
The blackout disabled traffic lights in the city, causing traffic chaos. It also partially disrupted the underground transport system. | The blackout disabled traffic lights in the city, causing traffic chaos. It also partially disrupted the underground transport system. |
Thousands of workers were sent home. Power was slowly being restored in different areas after the cuts. | |
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro blamed the opposition for "sabotage" to power transmission lines. | |
"Everything seems to indicate that the far-right has resumed its plan for an electrical strike against the country," he said in a tweet. | |
But critics say poor management and the failure to invest in infrastructure are to blame. | But critics say poor management and the failure to invest in infrastructure are to blame. |
Authorities say they are working to re-establish services, and they will give priority to transport in Caracas. | |
The oil industry has not been affected by the power cut, as Venezuela's oil refineries are powered by separate generator plants. | The oil industry has not been affected by the power cut, as Venezuela's oil refineries are powered by separate generator plants. |
In 2010 the late President Hugo Chavez signed a decree declaring an "electricity emergency" to help his government tackle power shortages. | In 2010 the late President Hugo Chavez signed a decree declaring an "electricity emergency" to help his government tackle power shortages. |
Although Venezuela has big oil reserves, it is dependent on hydro-electricity for some 70% of its power. | Although Venezuela has big oil reserves, it is dependent on hydro-electricity for some 70% of its power. |