The blackouts have caused disruptions countrywide, illustrating the challenges Europe could face as it confronts acute power shortages of its own. Here’s how some key services have been affected:HealthcareMost hospitals have backup electricity, but generators don’t always kick in immediately and sometimes malfunction, placing patients at risk. Water and sanitationMunicipal and provincial authorities and water utilities have urged consumers to cut back on their water usage, because the lack of electricity means pump stations can’t always operate at full capacity. Crime preventionThe blackouts make it easier for criminals to operate undetected, and harder and more dangerous for the police to apprehend them. Private security companies have warned that battery backups on alarm systems can be rendered useless as a result of the unreliable power supply and urged clients to check them regularly.

Source: News 24 October 04, 2022 00:13 UTC