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Electrical failure cuts power to all of Argentina and Uruguay, supplier says Electrical failure cuts power to all of Argentina and Uruguay, supplier says
(32 minutes later)
A massive electrical failure has left all of Argentina and Uruguay without power, according to a major Argentine electricity provider.A massive electrical failure has left all of Argentina and Uruguay without power, according to a major Argentine electricity provider.
Reports said the power cut had also affected parts of Brazil and Paraguay.Reports said the power cut had also affected parts of Brazil and Paraguay.
Argentine media said the power cut occurred shortly after 07:00 (11:00 BST), causing trains to be halted and failures with traffic signalling.Argentine media said the power cut occurred shortly after 07:00 (11:00 BST), causing trains to be halted and failures with traffic signalling.
It came as people in parts of Argentina were preparing to go to the polls for local elections.It came as people in parts of Argentina were preparing to go to the polls for local elections.
What do we know about the blackout?
"A massive failure in the electrical interconnection system left all of Argentina and Uruguay without power," electricity supplier company Edesur said in a tweet."A massive failure in the electrical interconnection system left all of Argentina and Uruguay without power," electricity supplier company Edesur said in a tweet.
Argentina's energy secretary, Gustavo Lopetegui, said the cause of the power failure had not yet been determined. Alejandra Martinez, a spokeswoman for the company, described the power cut as unprecedented.
The Ministry of Civil Protection estimated that parts of the service could be restored in about seven or eight hours. "This is the first time something like this has happened across the entire country."
Edesur said that power had been restored to parts of Buenos Aires and local media reported that two airports were operating on generators in the capital. Argentina's energy secretary, Gustavo Lopetegui, said the cause of the power failure had not yet been determined. The Ministry of Civil Protection estimated that parts of the service could be restored in about seven or eight hours.
Uruguay's energy company, UTE, said in a tweet that power had been restored to coastal areas. Edesur said that power had been restored over 75,00 clients in parts of Buenos Aires and local media reported that two airports were operating on generators in the capital.
Uruguay's energy company, UTE, said in a series of tweets that power had been restored to coastal areas and to areas north of Rio Negro.
How have people been affected?
The combined population of Argentina and Uruguay is about 48 million people.The combined population of Argentina and Uruguay is about 48 million people.
Among the affected provinces in Argentina were Santa Fe, San Luis, Formosa, La Rioja, Chubut, Cordoba and Mendoza, reports said. Tierra del Fuego is the only area that remains unaffected. Among the affected provinces in Argentina were Santa Fe, San Luis, Formosa, La Rioja, Chubut, Cordoba and Mendoza, reports said. Tierra del Fuego in the far south is the only area that remains unaffected because it is not connected to the power grid.
Social media reports of the power were widespread - from the capital Buenos Aires in the north, to Mendoza in the west and Comodoro Rivadavia in the south, among many other cities.
One of Argentina's biggest water companies, Agua y Saneamientos Argentinos, warned those without power to limit their water use, as the distribution of drinking water had been affected by the power cut.One of Argentina's biggest water companies, Agua y Saneamientos Argentinos, warned those without power to limit their water use, as the distribution of drinking water had been affected by the power cut.
Residents posted pictures of dark towns and cities using the hashtag #SinLuz. Social media reports of the power were widespread - from the capital Buenos Aires in the north, to Mendoza in the west and Comodoro Rivadavia in the south, among many other cities. Residents posted pictures of dark towns and cities using the hashtag #SinLuz
Local media have been showing voters casting their ballots in the dark, with mobile phones being used as lanterns.
Are you without power where you are? If it is safe to do so, please send your pictures/videos to yourpics@bbc.co.ukAre you without power where you are? If it is safe to do so, please send your pictures/videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk
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