The power is out and nothing is working. How am I supposed to get through the day? That was the question faced by millions of people on Monday across Spain and Portugal during the worst electricity blackout in their history. We ask people who spent the day without electricity about what helped them get on with life and what outage essentials they were missing. Paying with phone and card has become the norm, but in cities across Spain and Portugal, queues formed at cash machines - at least the ones that were still working - as shops switched away from card payments. "We managed to pay for our coffees with card when the outage first started, [but later] we didn't have any cash so we couldn't buy a thing," Ed Rowe, 26, in Madrid told the BBC. "All the restaurants that were open were cash only." Grace O'Leary, 32, who also lives in Spain's capital, said she and her mum were counting coins to see if she had enough money to buy wine from a corner shop. "Cash, apparently, is in fact, king." Jaime Giorgio, 28, was lucky enough to have some cash on him, which allowed him to buy food and other essentials. "In Madrid it was quite chaotic, there was no tube and you couldn't take out any cash. "I had cash, but my flatmate didn't, so I had to lend him money to buy things." The power outage also led to an information blackout, as people spent the day without internet, WhatsApp, calls, and TV. "The complete loss of communication was the most confusing and concerning thing... we were only left to speculate as to the cause and piece together news from people in the neighbourhood," said Daniel Clegg from Barcelona. The 42-year-old said the absence of information led him to looking at the sky to see if planes were still flying. For Siegfried and Christine Buschschluter, an old windup transistor radio helped tune in to local radio stations to find out what was happening after their phones stopped working and power went off at their rural home outside Spain's capital. Christine, 82, explained: "You had to keep on winding and winding. "It was quite a strange situation. I was born in Berlin during the war and it reminded me of those days when my parents tried to get some news - it took me back." The couple reckon the outage will lead to boom in demand for battery-operated radios. And it is also on Daniel's shopping list. "Essential kit for back to basics communication and staying informed that I completely neglected to remember." Microwaves, air fryers and some hobs and ovens all demand electricity. But on Monday food that does not require electricity to heat or prepare it were in demand. In supermarkets, shoppers formed long queues and panic-bought essentials - echoing scenes from the Covid-19 pandemic. "We bought a lot of food that wasn't going to go off, like tuna in cans, just in case," says actor Jaime. "The outage only lasted a day and now we have so much food, but most of it isn't going to go bad, as it is easily preserved." Lesley Elder, in town Fortuna in south-eastern Spain, said: "Trying to find food you don't need to heat up, that was more difficult than we thought. "So we ended up having ham and cheese for dinner." She adds a little gas stove to heat up food in a pan would have been helpful. Across the Iberian peninsula, people turned to candles to light up dark spaces. Richard, who lives in the Spanish city of Alcala de Henares, said not a single street light was on when night fell. "People were finding their way around by torchlight. It was quite surreal seeing the view from my window totally black especially as I live next to a dual carriageway," he said. "In my spare time, I make candles and luckily I had a few going spare so I could see in the dark." Sarah Baxter, from Barcelona, said she even used a candle stovetop to heat up food. "We could heat beans and rice, and bring water to a boil for instant potatoes," she said. "It was much safer than a propane camping stove inside the apartment." Although candles and naked flames can pose a fire risk. With no power people relied on having battery in their devices. In Madrid, people queued outside tech shops to get their hands on a power bank. Luckily for Sarah she had a solar charger that kept her phone charged through ten hours of blackout, and helped her elderly neighbour do the same. Lesley says her Kindle ran out of battery. "No TV, no Scrabble puzzle on my phone. So having a couple of books would have been helpful," she said. But for others, not having access to the internet and their devices was a relief. "Everyone relies on technology so much that it's quite a nice reminder you can be more independent," said Ed. "You don't have to be connected with everyone all the time," said his flatmate Hannah Steiner, 23. "I was having a good time with my flatmates." Sara Francisco, 24, from Leiria, in central Portugal, said: "I feel this thing that happened was important to make us be more aware and be more conscious about our habits."
Five things you need in case of a power outage
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Major Power Outage in Spain and Portugal Forces Residents to Adapt to Life Without Electricity"
Bbc News
7.4
TruthLens AI Summary
On Monday, millions in Spain and Portugal experienced the worst electricity blackout in their history, forcing individuals to navigate daily life without power. As shops transitioned away from card payments, many found themselves scrambling for cash, leading to long queues at functioning ATMs. One Madrid resident, Ed Rowe, shared his frustration about the sudden switch to cash-only transactions, stating that he and others were left unable to purchase essentials. The blackout not only disrupted payment systems but also led to a significant communication breakdown, as residents lost access to the internet, phone calls, and television. This information void left many feeling confused and anxious, as they relied on word-of-mouth and observations from neighbors to piece together the situation. For some, old-fashioned solutions emerged, such as wind-up radios, which provided a connection to local news and updates amidst the chaos.
The power outage also sparked a rush for non-perishable food items, reminiscent of panic buying during the COVID-19 pandemic. Shoppers sought out food that did not require cooking, leading to creative meal solutions such as ham and cheese dinners. As night fell, candles became essential for lighting homes, and residents adapted by using candle stovetops for cooking. The blackout highlighted a reliance on technology, with many people rushing to buy power banks and solar chargers to keep their devices operational. Interestingly, while some lamented the loss of connectivity, others found the experience liberating, appreciating the chance to disconnect from technology and spend quality time with friends and family. This unexpected event served as a wake-up call for many, prompting reflections on daily habits and the importance of being prepared for unforeseen circumstances.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article presents a detailed account of the severe power outage that impacted Spain and Portugal, emphasizing the challenges faced by individuals during this unexpected event. It highlights personal anecdotes and essential items that people found necessary to cope with the blackout, painting a vivid picture of the chaos that ensued.
Purpose of the Article
The article aims to inform readers about the realities of a major power outage while also sharing practical advice on what items are essential during such emergencies. By doing so, it raises awareness about the vulnerabilities in modern society, particularly our reliance on technology for daily activities.
Public Perception
This news piece may foster a sense of urgency among readers regarding preparedness for emergencies. It highlights the importance of cash during power outages, potentially shifting public consciousness toward reevaluating how they manage money in a predominantly cashless society.
Information Control
The article does not appear to conceal significant information; instead, it focuses on the immediate experiences of individuals affected by the blackout. However, the emphasis on personal distress and chaos could overshadow broader systemic issues related to electricity infrastructure, suggesting a narrower focus that might divert attention from these larger discussions.
Manipulative Elements
While the article is largely factual, it does evoke emotional responses through personal stories of confusion and anxiety, which may lead to a heightened sense of vulnerability among readers. This emotional appeal can be seen as a subtle form of manipulation, as it frames the narrative around individual distress rather than systemic failures.
Realism of the Report
The accounts provided in the article, combined with the widespread nature of the blackout, lend credibility to its content. The experiences shared by individuals are relatable and plausible, reinforcing the authenticity of the reporting.
Societal Implications
The blackout could prompt discussions on the reliability of electrical infrastructure and the need for improvement. Economically, businesses relying on electronic payments may face significant disruptions, leading to possible shifts in consumer behavior towards cash. Politically, such events could pressure authorities to address infrastructure weaknesses.
Target Audience
The article seems to resonate more with urban communities, particularly those accustomed to modern conveniences. It serves as a reminder for individuals in these demographics about the importance of basic preparedness and adaptability.
Market Impact
In terms of market implications, the disruption could affect businesses that rely heavily on digital transactions. Stocks of companies in the technology and financial sectors might experience volatility as consumers reconsider their payment methods.
Global Context
From a global perspective, this blackout highlights vulnerabilities in modern infrastructure that could resonate with similar events elsewhere. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of societies increasingly reliant on technology.
AI Usage
There is no direct evidence that AI was used in crafting the article; however, its structured narrative and focus on personal anecdotes suggest that it may have been influenced by algorithms that prioritize engaging storytelling. Such AI models might emphasize relatable human experiences to capture reader interest.
In conclusion, the article serves as a cautionary tale about the fragility of modern conveniences, urging readers to consider preparedness in an increasingly digital world. Its portrayal of individual experiences during the blackout encapsulates both the immediate impact of the power outage and the broader implications for societal resilience.