Venezuela plunged into chaos following a giant blackout!
Since the beginning of the unprecedented power blackout in Venezuela's recent history, President Nicolas Maduro has been accusing the United States (US) and the opposition led by Juan Gaido of conducting a “cyber-attack” on the country's main power plant. “There is evidence that this was a cyber-attack from Houston and Chicago”, he insisted Tuesday, designating “the Pentagon” – the US Department of Defense – as the “sponsor “ of this cyber-attack.
This giant failure was caused by the shutdown of the Simón Bolívar hydroelectric power station, fed by the Guri dam in the south of the country. This is not just any power station: it is the fourth most powerful in the world. It has a total of ten generators for a production capacity of 10,200 MW. For comparison purpose, the most powerful hydroelectric plant in France, Grand'Maison in Isère, has a capacity of “only” 1,690 MW.
On Tuesday evening, President Nicolas Maduro declared the "victory in the electric war" during a meeting with his ministers broadcasted on national television. Since last Thursday night, the country was experiencing the worst blackout in its recent history, which has paralyzed transport, communications, trade and caused serious hardships for the population. Power is almost restored in Caracas and in most states, according to the government – but it remains difficult to reach the province.
No matter who is responsible for this giant blackout, Venezuela offers a dramatic show to the world: the fall of a Nation!
Julien Moussavi, Head of Economic Research
Source: Beyond Ratings