Venezuela: Protests are possible in the coming days due to frequent power outages, as of April 1

Event

Protests denouncing power outages across Venezuela are possible in the coming days, as of April 1. While electricity failures are common in the country, disruptive power outages have been reported more frequently in recent weeks in the states of Zulia, Trujillo, Merida, Tachira, Barinas, and Lara. Parts of Caracas and Maracaibo have also been experiencing longer power outages throughout March. In late March, affected residents blocked the Pan-American Highway between the capital, Caracas, and Los Teques, Miranda state, for several days to demand infrastructure improvements. Likely protest locations include main highways, avenues, and government buildings.

Authorities will likely deploy to large demonstrations that materialize. Localized ground transport disruptions are likely in affected areas. Protesters may also erect makeshift barricades or vandalize public and/or private property; clashes between protesters and police are possible.

Advice

Avoid all protests. Allow additional time to reach destinations in major cities. Do not attempt to cross any protester roadblocks; wait for police to clear the way before proceeding. Leave the area immediately at the first sign of any confrontation or violence.