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Impact of Spain and Portugal’s Historic Blackout
The recent blackout that swept across Spain and Portugal marked an unprecedented event, leaving millions grappling with the challenges of life without electricity. As residents navigated this unusual situation, many shared their experiences and essentials that helped them cope.
Cash: A Vital Resource
In an age where digital payments have largely dominated transactions, the blackout reminded many of the importance of cash. With electronic payments hindered, long queues formed at functional cash machines as shops reverted to cash-only policies. Ed Rowe, a 26-year-old in Madrid, noted, “At first, we could use cards for our coffees, but eventually, we found ourselves without cash and unable to purchase anything.” He recounted how many open restaurants were strictly cash-based.
Grace O’Leary, also from Madrid, experienced the same predicament while trying to gather funds for wine. “It became clear that cash is indeed king,” she remarked. Jaime Giorgio, aged 28, fortunately had cash on hand, which enabled him to secure essential items during the chaos. “It was pretty hectic; without a functional metro and no access to cash, it was a challenge,” he said.
Staying Informed: The Role of Radio
The blackout led to an unsettling communication void, as people lost access to the internet, phone services, and television. Daniel Clegg from Barcelona shared, “The sheer lack of information was quite disorienting; we could only guess about the situation.” The absence of connectivity prompted him to look skyward for any signs of aircraft.
For Siegfried and Christine Buschschluter, an old windup radio proved invaluable in staying informed. Living in a rural area outside Madrid, they were cut off from news until Christine reflected on her childhood in wartime Berlin as they diligently cranked the radio for updates. “It felt reminiscent of those days when news was scarce,” she said. The couple anticipates a surge in interest for battery-operated radios following this event.
The Demand for Non-Perishable Food
With appliances reliant on electricity rendered useless, non-perishable food items became hot commodities. Supermarkets saw frantic shoppers buying essentials, echoing the scenes from the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic. “We stocked up on canned goods, like tuna, just to be safe,” Jaime explained.
Lesley Elder from Fortuna faced challenges in finding suitable food that required no cooking. “We ended up settling for ham and cheese for dinner,” she recounted, noting that a portable gas stove would have been a useful addition during the outage.
Candles and Alternative Lighting
As darkness enveloped the region, many residents turned to candles for light. Richard from Alcala de Henares noted the surreal sight of his neighborhood devoid of streetlights. He remarked, “I found my way around using a torch, which created an eerie atmosphere in a normally bustling area.” Candles became a crucial resource, with Sarah Baxter from Barcelona even using a candle stovetop to prepare meals safely indoors.
Power Banks: A Necessity
In a world reliant on battery-operated devices, power banks emerged as essential items during the outage. In Madrid, tech shops experienced a surge in customers seeking to recharge their devices. Sarah was fortunate to have a solar charger that kept her phone functional throughout the blackout, assisting even her elderly neighbor in staying connected.
Although some found relief in temporarily stepping away from technology, with Ed commenting on the delight of disconnecting from constant connectivity, others learned valuable lessons about preparedness. “This incident has encouraged a reflection on our dependency on technology and the importance of being self-sufficient,” stated Sara Francisco from Leiria, Portugal.
Source
www.bbc.com