CARACAS, Venezuela — The lights went out across much of Venezuela Monday, reviving fears of the blackouts that plunged the country into chaos a few months ago as the government once again accused opponents of sabotaging the nation’s hydroelectric power system. The power in the capital went out after 4 p.m. (2000 GMT) and immediately backed up traffic as stop lights and the subway stopped working during rush hour. But as night fell on Caracas many were wondering how long they would be left in the dark. José Aguilar, a U.S.-based power expert who hails from Venezuela, said that alternative power plants running on diesel fuel and gas are unable to make up the difference. It’s like Russian Roulette.”Despite the risks of another extended collapse, some Venezuelans were taking the blackout in stride.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer July 23, 2019 02:48 UTC