Radio amateurs respond to power outages Spain and Portugal

[IK0ZCW]

Apr 28, 2025 - Spectrum - Greg, G0DUB

At 1030UTC on 28th April a wide area power outage affected Portugal and Spain with some initial limited effects in Southern parts of France. Radio Amateurs in the affected countries were quick to respond, setting up nets on available repeaters, VHF/UHF and the HF emergency centre of activity frequencies to share situational awareness information.

The cause of the failure is not yet known but the consequences are as expected with mobile telephone networks severely affected, loss of electronic payment systems and transportation delays.

EMCOM-Spain, REMER and REP-SCERA remain active, gathering information on the restoration of power and internet access along with any urgent requests for assistance. Radio Amateurs are encouraged to leave the HF CoA frequencies clear until the power is restored. With the large area affected this process will take several hours, but in some areas may take some days.