MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Giant blackout in Brazil

Over 100 million Brazilians out of a total population of 170 million suffered a gigantic blackout that paralysed the country for several hours forcing fire brigades to rescue hundreds trapped in elevators and subways while banking authorities postponed all activities 24 hours. The blackout, considered one of the three greatest in the country's history, began at approximately 14:00 hour, Sao Paulo time, and extended for almost five hours in most areas affected, leaving the country without television, traffic lights and computers. Apparently a high voltage line from Itaipú, the country's largest dam went dead, --cause yet unknown--, and automatically fourteen of the eighteen turbines, for security reasons stopped functioning. The blackout hit the most industrialised part of the country, Sao Paulo, Rio do Janeiro, Minas Gerais and even Brasilia, the capital. The south of the country avoided the worst because it largely depends on Argentine energy. However industrial production ceased, retailers closed shops fearing looting and banking stopped because the computer system collapsed. Brazil has been under strict home energy consumption restrictions for several months, but officials insisted the blackout was not related, since at the time "most people were at work". Abundant rainfall last winter replenished Brazilian dams and restrictions were lifted for industry, commerce and productive activities, remaining only for home consumption with a 20% saving target.