Puerto Rico in the Dark: Power Grid Crisis Unfolds

Puerto Rico experienced a major power grid failure, leaving nearly the entire island without electricity. With 90% of customers affected, recovery is expected to take 24 to 48 hours. Preliminary investigations indicate an underground line failure as the cause, underscoring persistent infrastructure challenges since Hurricane Maria.

Puerto Rico faced a widespread power outage on Tuesday morning, plunging nearly the entire island into darkness due to a power grid failure.

According to Luma Energy, around 90% of customers lacked electricity at 9:30 a.m. (1330 GMT). Restoration efforts could take 24 to 48 hours, conditions permitting, Luma stated.

The outage's cause is under investigation, but early findings suggest an underground line failure, Luma reported. Ivan Baez of Genera described the situation as a "major incident," noting the involvement of both public and private power generators. The island has battled recurrent power issues since Hurricane Maria in 2017.

(With inputs from agencies.)