Nearly half of Venezuela has been paralyzed by major power failures.
JORGE SILVA / Reuters
As many as nine of Venezuela's 23 states were plunged into darkness during massive power failures across the country on Tuesday, Sept. 3. Even the capital, Caracas, which is usually unaffected by power outages, was hit by the blackout.
The deputy energy minister, Franco Silva, blamed failures on several transmission lines, reported the Associated Press. Delays in electricity initiatives were also partially responsible even as authorities suggested that government enemies could have sabotaged the grid.
Employees of a shop closed due to the blackout wait for power to be re-established in Caracas.
JUAN BARRETO / Getty Images
A woman works during the blackout in Caracas.
JUAN BARRETO / Getty Images
