30 Nov 2017 | 04:54 PM UTC
Tanzania: Nationwide electrical blackout November 30
Tanzania struck by nationwide electrical blackout November 30; ongoing power outages reported
Event
A nationwide electrical blackout struck Tanzania early on Thursday, November 30. The state-run Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO) reported that a technical problem caused the blackout around 07:00 (local time) on Thursday; roughly 56 million people were reported to be without power. TANESCO was still working to restore electricity to the country's grid as of Thursday morning (local time). Associated commercial and transportation disruptions are expected throughout Tanzania in the coming hours until power is restored. It is currently unclear when normal service may resume.
Context
Partial electrical blackouts are common in Tanzania; commercial establishments regularly use generators to augment the country's irregular electrical supply. Development of Tanzania's energy infrastructure has, for decades, been stifled by underinvestment, insufficient maintenance, and corruption.
Advice
Individuals in Tanzania are advised to monitor developments to the situation, plan for associated transportation disruptions, and follow instructions issued by the local authorities.
