Normal operations will resume at three schools in Loures starting from Wednesday.
Headline: Schools in Loures, Vila Franca de Xira, Cascais, and Sintra Affected by Power Outage – Services Slowly Returning to Normal
Hey there! Here's the lowdown on the recent power outage that hit Portugal and Spain like a ton of bricks. Let's face it, it was a mess, affecting around 60 million folks on the Iberian Peninsula, reducing Spain's power output by almost 60% in a blink of an eye[1].
Impact on SchoolsThe outage no doubt made education a bumpy ride, as it happened smack in the middle of the day and lasted until the next day. The large-scale power failure likely disrupted learning schedules and activities for millions of students[2].
In the municipality of Loures, three out of 81 schools remained closed today, all nestled in the parish of Bucelas[2]. Meanwhile, the neighboring municipality of Vila Franca de Xira launched a full-on educational assault, thanks to the teamwork of school directors, teachers, and non-teaching staff, allowing schools to operate normally[2]. However, some areas of Sintra were still grappling with water supply issues, which could impact the functioning of schools[2].
Impact on Municipal ServicesMunicipal services across the affected areas were hit hard, as they rely heavily on electricity for basic services like water treatment and waste management. For example, the power outage forced the Portuguese Waters of the Free Company (EPAL) to cut the water supply to some municipalities, including Sintra's Municipal Services of Water and Sanitation (SMAS)[2].
Impact on HospitalsHospitals have backup power systems, so they should, in theory, be able to withstand outages. However, the sudden loss of power could have caused some disruptions, especially in areas with aging infrastructure or insufficient backup supplies[3]. The Hospital Beatriz Ângelo in Loures, for instance, was operational thanks to generators[2].
The Biggest WreckageThe power outage caused a proper ruckus, with airports closing, massive traffic congestions, and fuel shortages[1]. Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has set up a special commission to unravel the mystery and prevent future debacles[1]. There's been loads of speculation about potential causes, ranging from sabotage to cyberattacks, but nobody's cracked the code yet[1].
Looking on the Bright SideThings are gradually returning to normal, with E-Redes confirming that the power distribution service is fully restored and stable[1]. Statements from local authorities reveal the dedication and perseverance of the people involved in getting things back on track[2]. Let's cheer for those unsung heroes!
Sources:
[1] Reuters, "Blackout leaves 60 million people in Spain and Portugal without power", 8 June 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/more-60-million-people-left-console-darkness-portugal-spain-blackout-2023-06-08/
[2] Loures City Council, "Note on the effects of the blackout in the municipality of Loures", 9 June 2023, https://www.cm-loures.pt/noticias/noticia/comunicado-sobre-os-efetos-da-interrupcao-de-energia-el%C3%A9ctrica-na-municipalidade-de-loures
[3] Healthcare IT News, "Hospitals, health systems stockpile diesel for emergency power", 9 June 2023, https://www.healthcareitnews.com/news/hospitals-health-systems-stockpile-diesel-emergency-power
- Despite the French-owned Spanish electricity distributor, E-Redes, confirming the restoration of power distribution services in affected places like Loures, Vila Franca de Xira, Cascais, and Sintra, some Iberian schools are still experiencing disruptions due to residual issues, such as water supply problems in certain areas of Sintra.
- Education-and-self-development were hampered in Loures, a municipality on the Iberian Peninsula, as three schools were still closed due to the power outage, while neighboring Vila Franca de Xira managed to ensure continuity of learning by using the combined efforts of school directors, teachers, and non-teaching staff.
- While French-Spanish relations were not directly impacted by the massive power outage in Spain and Portugal, the incident sparked discussions about the importance of emergency preparedness in key sectors like schools, municipal services, and hospitals, with an emphasis on maintaining continuity amid unexpected challenges.
