On 28 April 2025, Portugal, along with Spain, plunged into darkness due to a widespread blackout that disrupted everyday life throughout the Iberian Peninsula. Known as #A blackout on social media, this unprecedented power outage has paralyzed transport, cut telecommunications and left millions of people looking for resources and information. In the midst of this crisis, and from the very first moment, the VOST Portugal team emerged with clarity and messages of support, taking advantage of our digital experience to guide all citizens in the midst of uncertainty. This publication summarizes @VOSTPT's role during the blackout, highlighting our efforts to spread timely advice, counter disinformation and strengthen our experience in responding to emergencies.
During the #The blackout, rapid response and strategic communication of VOST Portugal proved to be very important, with our content reaching more than 1.5M citizens on social networks.
The blackout: a National Crisis
The blackout hit Portugal around 11:29 a.m. on 28 April 2025, affecting the entire country, from Lisbon to remote rural areas. It was at this point that we launched the first content.
Traffic lights failed, metro systems and trains stopped, hospitals became dependent on backup generators, and telecommunications networks failed, leaving residents unable to make calls or access the Internet reliably. The failure, described as one of Europe's most serious in nearly two decades, has caused widespread confusion and panic, with many residents turning to social media for up-to-date information. The hashtag #Blackout quickly became a trend as people shared their experiences and sought guidance.
The cause of the blackout remained uncertain during the crisis, and it still remains to date that this article was written, with the Portuguese authorities ruling out a cyberattack, but unable to identify the exact cause for this event. Prime Minister Luis Montenegro noted that the problem probably originated in Spain’s electricity grid, causing a “domino effect” affecting Portugal. In the midst of this uncertainty, VOST Portugal intervened to provide practical advice and amplify official communications, helping to maintain calm and order.
@VOSTPT's response: Real-time practical guidance
As news of the #blackout was beginning to appear, the VOST Portugal team quickly mobilized to monitor social networks, especially X, where the hashtag #The blackout has gained strength. Our role was twofold: sharing critical information and countering rumors that could exacerbate panic. These were the main actions that VOST Portugal took during the crisis, as evidenced by our publications on X:
- Provide practical tips for security and resource conservation
- Store the batteries of mobile phones and portable chargers for emergency needs, as telecommunications were unstable.
- Turn off non-essential devices to avoid grid overload when power is restored.
- Keep calm by encouraging residents to avoid panic and keep up with official updates.
- Addressing water supply concerns
- Expanding emergency protocols
- Tackling disinformation: With rumours of cyber-attacks and sabotage circulating – fuelled by Spain’s initial suggestion of a possible cyber threat, VOST Portugal denied various content circulating, including the one that gained the most traction, in which an image, with an alleged CNN report citing Ursula Von Der Leyen, confirmed a cyber-attack originating from Russia.
Our efforts complemented the work of Portugal’s National Authority for Civil Protection and Emergencies (ANEPC), which was actively managing the response to the crisis.
Recognition and impact on the community
Our activation did not go unnoticed. Several users praised our work, describing it as “a precious help” during this emergency.
These recognitions highlight the team's impact in promoting resilience in the community and supporting VOST Portugal's emergency response structure in Portugal.
Using the hashtag #Blackout, we ensured that our messages reached a wide audience, including those directly affected and others who sought only to understand the situation in our country, such as foreign journalists. Our publications were concise, practical and empathetic, resonating with an audience struggling with disrupted routines and limited access to information. The team's ability to operate in a digital space, even with unstable internet access, has demonstrated our preparedness and adaptability.
Our performance during this emergency offers several lessons for future crises:
- Digital volunteers are essential;
- Clear, concise and practical communication is essential during these moments
- Community engagement increases resilience: Encouraging residents to share advice with neighbours and conserve resources has fostered a sense of collective responsibility, amplifying the impact of our content.
Our ability to monitor and respond on social media demonstrates the value of digital volunteers in modern crisis management. Our work complements traditional emergency services, reaching out to citizens in real time.
Conclusion
During the #Blackout of 28 April 2025, VOST Portugal was once again an impactful resource for crisis and/or emergency response in Portugal. Through timely social media posts, we provided guidance – from storing mobile phone batteries to preparing for water scarcity – while amplifying official messages and fighting disinformation. Our work has not only supported citizens, but also reinforced the importance of digital volunteers in emergency management today. While Portugal and Spain continue to investigate the causes of the blackout, VOST Portugal's role remains a testament to the power of the community, active citizenship, technology and clear communication in overcoming adversity.
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