In Argentina, due to a fire in a pasture, the Atucha I nuclear power plant turned off – more than 40% of the country’s inhabitants were left without electricity.
The fire affected three high-voltage power lines, due to which several power plants stopped working, including the nuclear Atucha I. As a result, more than 40% of consumers lost electricity – according to La Nation, this is about 20 million people. The median regions, including the capital, were particularly hard hit.
Due to a power outage in the country, the work of transport and water supply systems was disrupted, enterprises were closed, classes were canceled in schools, residents are forced to do without refrigerators and air conditioners in a 35-degree heat.
The Minister of Economy of Argentina, suspecting the arson of the pasture, asked the court to investigate the fire and arrest those responsible. Burning pastures is a common practice among residents of the area, due to drought, the fire can get out of control and cause a large-scale fire, writes Associated Press.
The supply of electricity is gradually being increased, but Atucha I is scheduled to be launched only in two days. Another nuclear power plant, Atucha II, has been out of service since last year due to maintenance work.
