The outage halted subway and railway trains, shut down traffic lights and ATMs, disrupted phone services, and closed major airports including Madrid's Barajas and Lisbon's Humberto Delgado. Hospitals relied on backup generators, some with limited water supply and internet access.

Spanish authorities estimated 6-10 hours for full restoration, with around 50% restored by nightfall mentioned by PM Sánchez. Recovery efforts included importing electricity from Morocco and France, and boosting hydroelectric and thermal power plant output.

Spain’s Interior Ministry declared a state of emergency, and four regions requested central government crisis management. Portugal’s Cabinet held an emergency meeting, and both nations activated backup power systems for critical infrastructure.

Officials ruled out cyberattacks but did not specify a confirmed cause. The outage’s origin remains under investigation, though unusual atmospheric phenomena were mentioned in the article’s summary (not directly cited in sources).

Spain imported electricity from Morocco and France to assist restoration efforts, as acknowledged by PM Sánchez.