Iraq hit by major power outage amid rising temperatures
The electricity ministry said the grid suffered a "total outage" after the shutdown of two transmission lines amid a spike in consumption triggered by a "record rise in temperatures", with the heat reaching 48 to 50°C in Baghdad and central and southern regions.
While households can still rely on private generators, the blackout comes as millions of pilgrims gather in the province of Karbala for a major religious commemoration, further straining demand, the ministry added.
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