{"id":1557,"date":"2025-04-29T11:50:06","date_gmt":"2025-04-29T11:50:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vost.pt\/?p=1557"},"modified":"2025-08-27T11:52:08","modified_gmt":"2025-08-27T11:52:08","slug":"apagao-o-papel-da-vost-portugal-durante-o-blackout","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vost.pt\/en\/apagao-o-papel-da-vost-portugal-durante-o-blackout\/","title":{"rendered":"#The role of VOST Portugal during the Blackout"},"content":{"rendered":"

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<\/em>, highlighting our efforts to spread timely advice, counter disinformation and strengthen our experience in responding to emergencies.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

The blackout: a National Crisis<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s electricity grid, causing a \u201cdomino effect\u201d 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.<\/p>\n

@VOSTPT's response: Real-time practical guidance<\/h2>\n

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:<\/p>\n

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  1. Provide practical tips for security and resource conservation<\/strong>\n