logo
Power blackout hits all of Puerto Rico as residents prepare for Easter weekend

Power blackout hits all of Puerto Rico as residents prepare for Easter weekend

Independent17-04-2025

A power blackout hit all of Puerto Rico on Wednesday as the heavily Catholic U.S. territory prepared to celebrate the Easter weekend.
All 1.4 million clients were affected, Hugo Sorrentini, spokesman for Luma Energy, which oversees the transmission and distribution of power, told The Associated Press. By late Wednesday night, crews had restored power to nearly 100,000 clients, or about 7%, although the number was expected to fluctuate.
Hotels were near capacity, with thousands of tourists celebrating Easter vacations on the island. Tourism officials rushed to reassure them that many hotels and other businesses were operating with generators.
Meanwhile, at least 328,000 clients were without water.
'It is unacceptable that we have a failure of this magnitude in the transmission of the electrical system,' said Gov. Jenniffer González, who cut short her weeklong vacation and flew back to Puerto Rico on Wednesday night.
Officials said 90% of clients would likely have electricity 48 to 72 hours after the blackout occurred.
It was not immediately clear what caused the shutdown, the latest in a string of major blackouts on the island in recent years.
Thousands of Puerto Ricans were fuming over the latest outage, with many renewing their calls that the government cancel the contract with Luma and Genera PR, which oversees generation of power on the island.
'This is a total disaster,' said Orlando Huertas, 68, as he sipped a drink with a friend at a streetside bar and criticized the government for not doing enough to tackle the chronic outages.
Dozens of people were forced to walk on an overpass next to the rails of the rapid transit system that serves the capital, San Juan, while scores of businesses including the biggest mall in the Caribbean were forced to close. Professional baseball and basketball games were cancelled as the hum of generators and smell of smoke filled the air. Traffic became snarled as police officers were deployed to busy intersections.
Reggaeton superstar Bad Bunny echoed the collective rage, writing on X: 'When are we going to do something?'
The governor pledged late Wednesday that she would cancel the contract with Luma, but noted that while government officials have started analyzing the contract and finding possible replacements, it wouldn't be a quick process.
González also said that she has requested an in-depth investigation into the blackout, noting that officials already have warned there won't be enough generation of power for this summer, when demand peaks.
'Puerto Rico can't be the island where the power goes out all the time,' González said. 'We're going to take action. Let people have no doubts.'
While power restoration on the main island of Puerto Rico was moving slowly to protect equipment, emergency generation stations restored power to the tiny neighboring island of Culebra and parts of neighboring Vieques, said Josué Colón, the island's so-called energy czar and former executive director of Puerto Rico's Electric Power Authority.
Those without generators crowded around grocery stores and other businesses to buy ice across Puerto Rico.
'I'm desperate. My generator is broken,' said Carmen Suriel, who worried about the impact of the blackout on her two children, a six-month-old and a five-year-old with Down syndrome, as the temperature rose across Puerto Rico on Wednesday.
Alma Ramírez, 69, said she was frustrated with the constant outages, some of which had already damaged her TV and microwave, forcing her to buy new appliances.
'They have to improve," she said of the government. 'Those who are affected are us, the poor.'
The island of 3.2 million residents has a more than 40% poverty rate, and not everyone can afford solar panels or generators. While there was a push to use more renewable energy sources under the administration of former U.S. President Joe Biden, which provided Puerto Rico with mega generators and other resources, experts worry that won't happen under U.S. President Donald Trump.
Roughly 117,000 homes and businesses on the island have solar rooftops. Meanwhile, petroleum-fired power plants provide 62% of Puerto Rico's power, natural gas 24%, coal 8% and renewables 7%, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Daniel Hernández, vice president of operations at Genera PR, said at a news conference that a disturbance hit the transmission system shortly after noon on Wednesday, during a time when the grid is vulnerable because there are not many machines regulating frequency at that hour.
Verónica Ferraiuoli, acting governor and secretary of state for Puerto Rico, said the White House reached out to local officials and said they are available if needed.
Pablo José Hernández, Puerto Rico's representative in Congress, said he would work to ensure that 'Washington understands the real and urgent situation Puerto Ricans face every day.'
'The electric grid crisis is frustrating, and after years of blackouts, it feels like it's going from bad to worse," he said.
The last islandwide blackout occurred on New Year's Eve.
Puerto Rico has struggled with chronic outages since September 2017 when Hurricane Maria pummeled the island as a powerful Category 4 storm, razing a power grid that crews are still struggling to rebuild.
The grid already had been deteriorating as a result of decades of a lack of maintenance and investment under Puerto Rico's Electric Power Authority, which is struggling to restructure more than $9 billion in debt.
____

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

A million people make wilderness pilgrimage to honour 13th-century Virgin Mary icon
A million people make wilderness pilgrimage to honour 13th-century Virgin Mary icon

The Independent

time2 hours ago

  • The Independent

A million people make wilderness pilgrimage to honour 13th-century Virgin Mary icon

Pilgrims, their faces and vibrant flamenco dresses coated in dust, congregated around an ox-driven carriage carrying the icon of the Virgin Mary. They had journeyed for nearly 12 hours on foot, horseback, and wagon, traversing the rugged dirt roads to reach this sacred destination. As festive flamenco music faded and revellers set aside their drinks, the Catholic faithful gathered among the pine trees, a few miles from the hamlet of El Rocío, to pray the evening rosary. Meme Morales, a long-time pilgrim since the early 1990s, reflected on the dual nature of the pilgrimage. "One can drink and hang out. Our best friends are here. But it's essential to pray," she said, accompanied by her two daughters. "The Virgin is something that forms part of our life." The veneration of the Rocío Virgin has been a tradition since the main icon was discovered near the village in Andalusia around the end of the 13th century. It has grown into one of world's largest, most unique Catholic pilgrimages. For days before Pentecost weekend, about a million people do the 'romería del Rocío' in swirling clouds of dust that's as pervasive and natural as the faithful's devotion. Feast and faith as pilgrims make their way It looks like a rolling, wild party, even among the religious brotherhoods, more than 130 of whom participate, taking different paths from around the region and as distant as Brussels. Morales' group is the Triana brotherhood. From when they break camp around dawn until well into the night, they sing flamenco songs, many specific to each brotherhood — accompanied by guitar and rhythmic clapping. Homemade food and copious amounts of water, beer and sherry are shared with friends and strangers alike. But there are prayers at every break along the country paths, priests to hear confession at day's end, conversations about the pope, mission trips and social outreach, even solemn Masses in the fields. 'Without that, this wouldn't make any sense. It would be a picnic,' said Patricia Rodríguez Galinier, who oversees liturgical celebrations for the Triana brotherhood. Based in a neighbourhood by the same name in Seville, about 50 miles (80 kilometres) away, it's one of the largest and oldest, founded more than 200 years ago. Rodríguez had just helped set up Mass by the Triana 'simpecado' — meaning 'without sin.' It refers to their version of the icon of the Virgin, carried by an ox-driven cart covered in silver and fresh flowers. At each night's camp, wagons are set in a circle and people gather to worship through the night. With the oxen tied to small trees and some riders still on horses in the 90-degree weather (33 Celsius), more than 700 faithful listened to the homily by their spiritual director, the Rev. Manuel Sánchez. He quoted Pope Leo XIV's first public words about God's love for everyone — adding, to laughter, that love included those at that moment receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation behind the wagon still grasping their beer bottles. 'There's a profound sense of spontaneity in El Rocío … just like in the Gospel when Jesus goes to have dinner with folks,' Sánchez said later. 'We have a lot of time to come to God crying in life, but that's not El Rocío.' Popular devotion rooted in a place at the margins One reason for the pilgrimage's down-to-earth nature is El Rocío's location, in the wetlands and sand dunes of the Guadalquivir River's estuary, said Juan Carlos González Faraco, a University of Huelva professor who has studied the pilgrimage. Until the last few decades, when large-scale greenhouse farming and natural protected areas have taken over, it was a malaria-prone wilderness frequented mostly by cattle and horse ranchers. That's allowed the centuries-old pilgrimage tradition to continue without the strictness of other places of devotion to Mary. It has stayed in the hands of the brotherhoods instead of the institutional church, said González. He's a member of the main brotherhood from Almonte, the closest town to the sanctuary that manages its white church filled with golden images and orange sand from the pilgrims' footsteps. Its president, Santiago Padilla, spent hours at the sanctuary's doors Saturday, solemnly welcoming each brotherhood as they arrived. 'They come laden with intentions, supplications, prayers. And it's the moment we shake their hands, we hug and we give thanks to the Virgin for this pilgrimage they made,' said Padilla, whose family has been pilgrims for generations. A return to countryside roots Padilla wore an impeccably white jacket and formal riding kit, like many members of the brotherhoods who do the pilgrimage on horseback. Women wear shawls and long, flaring dresses or skirts — to better ride sideways on horses and protect themselves from the brush and the sun. Such outfits might look like Spanish stereotypes, but they pay homage to the working traditions of many families from the area. 'Everything that has a good presence takes us a bit closer to God,' said Ignacio Sabater Wasaldúa, the Triana brotherhood leader. He rode horses this year alongside his son, helping lead the dozens of wagons and thousands of pilgrims on foot. The brotherhoods stress that their commitment to Christian life transcends one yearly pilgrimage — though it draws inspiration from it and they wouldn't consider missing it. 'El Rocío should be a model for society, with affection and solidarity,' Sabater said. Triana, for instance, maintains a chapel with daily Masses and brings nearly 200 youth from marginalised backgrounds to the brotherhood's house in El Rocío for a summer camp. 'I'm a rociera the whole year,' said Macarena Ruíz, who started participating in the late 1980s and whose three children are camp counsellors. Despite Spain' s growing secularisation, youth remain involved in the pilgrimage, whether to maintain a family tradition, make new friends or live out their faith. This year, Triana's youth group organised Eucharistic adoration late into the second night at camp. 'That's the assurance that this will not be lost,' said Esperanza García Rivero, whose grandfather took his wagon on the pilgrimage in the 1940s. Sweat and tears before Mary, mother of God Hidden beneath the traditions and the festivities, many pilgrims are motivated by promises they made to the Virgin. After a double mastectomy for breast cancer, Paloma Maria had a large Mary tattoo designed between her shoulders. 'It's her who takes care of me. My Rocío Virgin is everything for me,' said the young woman from Cordoba. Maria Mendoza also came to give thanks when, together with García and her close Triana friends, she walked into the sanctuary Saturday after the brotherhood was formally received in front of it. More pilgrimage events awaited, culminating in Sunday night's final procession of the Rocío icon to visit every brotherhood in town. It's a massive scrum that lasts hours, after which the faithful make their long return journeys, on foot, horses and carts. But this was the first moment when the women were finally face to face with their Virgin. Tears quickly mixed with sweat and dust on their faces. 'So many thoughts swirling, for you, for your friends … it's just an explosion,' Sara de la Haza whispered. Then someone in the crowd intoned the Triana's salute to the Virgin. The friends wiped their eyes and started joyfully singing — 'You are the white dove, you are what I've loved the most since the day I was born.' ___

Dan Osborne and Jacqueline Jossa fly to Ireland for family holiday after his texts to Christine McGuinness were revealed
Dan Osborne and Jacqueline Jossa fly to Ireland for family holiday after his texts to Christine McGuinness were revealed

Scottish Sun

time6 hours ago

  • Scottish Sun

Dan Osborne and Jacqueline Jossa fly to Ireland for family holiday after his texts to Christine McGuinness were revealed

It comes after Dan sent a grovelling message to wife Jac after the texts were revealed FLY WAY Dan Osborne and Jacqueline Jossa fly to Ireland for family holiday after his texts to Christine McGuinness were revealed Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) DAN Osborne and Jacqueline Jossa have flown off to Ireland for a family holiday. The trip away comes after The Sun revealed how Dan, 33, and fellow reality star Christine, 37, comforted one another amid their marital woes. 5 Dan Osborne and Jacqueline Jossa are trying to rebuild their marriage Credit: Instagram 5 This weekend the couple went on a family holiday to Ireland Credit: Instagram 5 The couple took their kids to Ireland amid their marriage woes Credit: Instagram 5 The Sun revealed how Dan and Christine McGuinness sent texts to each other Credit: The Mega Agency Dan and wife Jacqueline have shared pictures on Instagram of their trip away with the kids. Putting on a united front, the couple revealed they had enjoyed a weekend in Ireland. Sharing the pictures on Instagram, the couple looked happy as they spent time with their children. They could be seen enjoying country walks and some family time. CHRISTINE TEXTS The family's trip away comes just days after The Sun exclusively revealed how Jacqueline's husband Dan had previously sent flirty texts with Christine McGuiness. Dan had joined Christine for raucous nights out that helped lift her spirits after her split from radio and TV host husband Paddy. At the time, reality star Dan was still building bridges with Jacqueline over previous cheating claims. Our source said of Christine and Dan's texts: 'She is absolutely adamant nothing sexual happened between them. 'She also was 100 per cent single at the time and could chat to anyone she wanted.' Former Towie star Dan is adamant nothing happened romantically between the pair, even suggesting that the text messages between them were 'deep fakes or AI' when asked. Jacqueline Jossa and estranged hubby Dan Osbourne enjoy a 'make or break' Easter holiday together in Mexico Shortly after his Christine texts were revealed, Dan posted a grovelling message on one of wife Jacqueline's Instagram post. It came after the EastEnders star posted a stunning photo in a plunging black gown a few days ago. She captioned her post: 'BRITISH SOAP AWARDS 2025. Celebrating 40 years of EASTENDERS with 8 wins isn't too bad.' Dan commented beneath it: 'Beautiful!' and the comment was liked by hundreds of people. 5 The family were seen enjoying idyllic country walks Credit: Instagram A pal said: 'Dan is devoted to Jacqueline and would hate for any suggestion of impropriety. 'Of course, it's possible for a man and woman to be mates.' Earlier this year, The Sun revealed Dan had moved out of his and Jacqueline's home and into a property he had bought behind his wife's back. Both temporarily removed their wedding rings.

Mum-of-22 Sue Radford flies family back to Disney Florida weeks after spending £50k on the same trip for her birthday
Mum-of-22 Sue Radford flies family back to Disney Florida weeks after spending £50k on the same trip for her birthday

Scottish Sun

time7 hours ago

  • Scottish Sun

Mum-of-22 Sue Radford flies family back to Disney Florida weeks after spending £50k on the same trip for her birthday

Plus, the staggering price of flights for the bumper family MAGICAL YEAR Mum-of-22 Sue Radford flies family back to Disney Florida weeks after spending £50k on the same trip for her birthday Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) JUST months after parents-of-22 Sue and Noel Radford flew to Florida for Sue's £50,000 bumper 50th birthday trip - the family is back at Disney once more. The Morecambe-based brood has shared snaps from the popular holiday resort, including watching fireworks and enjoying giant slushies. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 Britain's biggest family - the Radfords - are back in Florida after visiting in April Credit: Instagram 7 The family enjoyed watching the fireworks on Disney Boardwalk Credit: Instagram 7 Sue Radford splashed an estimated £52,000 on her 50th birthday trip to Orlando in April Credit: Instagram Sue, who is mum to Britain's biggest family, showed how her kids had been enjoying Disney's Boardwalk in Orlando and how they had visited a cake shop with some delicious treats. After walking away with some bites, they then caught some fireworks going off in the nearby theme park. The kids then seemed thrilled as they got super-sized slushy drinks to enjoy. This follows the Radfords having a sun-soaked extravaganza in Florida in April, which is estimated to cost them £52,000. Despite telling The Daily Mirror they have been "feeling the pinch" financially, they said they planned to spare no expense on the holiday of a lifetime. Sue and Noel star in Channel 5's 22 Kids and Counting and also earn money from their business Radford's Pie Company. £26,000 flights Sue and her husband Noel not only took their own children to Florida in April, but all of their grandchildren with them too - making the most of the Easter break from school. Sue, 50, and Noel, 54, are parents to Chris, 36, Sophie, 31, Chloe, 29, Jack, 28, Daniel, 26, Luke, 24, Millie, 23, Katie, 22, James, 21, Ellie, 20, Aimee, 19, Josh, 17, Max, 16, Tillie, 15, Oscar, 13, Casper, 12, Haillie, 10, Phoebe, 8, Archie, 7, Bonnie, 6, and Heidie, 5. Sadly the couple's 17th child Alfie was still born on July 6, 2014. All in, the family are thought to have sent a jaw-dropping £26,228 on flights - and that's before the excess charges or any extra baggage. Millie Radford sparks concern of the family feud reigniting as she says she wants to go 'home' during Florida holiday It's not known if the whole family is back out for their second visit. £20k park tickets Based on the cost of a seven-day Disney visit, which would require each guest to hold a 7-Day Magic Ticket for entrance, Sue and Noel could have forked out £20,065 for each of their Florida trips this year. Luckily for Sue and Noel, children under the age of three go free. So some of the children on the trip won't cost a penny to get into the park. The tickets include access to the park and water parks with the eligibility to enter multiple parks per day. Holders will also have the 'memory maker' package which includes unlimited Disney photopass downloads - pictures taken by photographers around the park, on rides and in restaurants. 7 Sue shared how they visited an epic cake shop at Disney during this trip Credit: Instagram 7 The kids seemed thrilled at stocking up on some tasty treats Credit: Instagram £6k accommodation Sue and Noel have spoken about their approach to holiday accommodation previously, while appearing on the This Morning show - they revealed they usually opt for a villa to save costs and ensure the bunch can bunk close together. Last September, they shared an Orlando Villa Tour on their Facebook page to their 944,000 followers. One eagle-eyed viewer recognised the accommodation as similar to a property listed on rental site, Vrbo. The glam Vrbo house sleeps 15 - so Sue and Noel will need to book 3 to comfortably house all 39 travellers. The accommodation costs £300 per night, working out at £2,100 per villa for a week and £6,300 in total for all three. And that's without any food in the villa or out in the parks. 7 Renting holiday accommodation when you have 22 kids certainly doesn't come cheap Credit: Instagram 7 Sue during her first trip to Florida at Easter Credit: Instagram

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store