Power Outage Strikes Nice: Is Sabotage Behind France’s Latest Crisis?

A recent series of power outages has struck the French Riviera, causing disruption for thousands. The latest blackout hit Nice after a fire at a substation, which officials are treating as a deliberate act. This incident left around 45,000 homes without electricity early Sunday morning.

Authorities reported that around 2:00 AM local time, a fire broke out at the substation. The police discovered broken doors and tire tracks at the scene, suggesting foul play. Nice Airport and the tram service were also affected, though power was restored by morning.

The day before, Cannes faced a similar issue when a major blackout interrupted events at the international film festival, affecting about 160,000 homes. That incident is also suspected to be linked to sabotage. Film screenings had to pause before organizers switched to backup generators, a hurried solution amid all the chaos.

Nice’s mayor, Christian Estrosi, voiced strong opposition to the violent acts disrupting the city. Deputy mayor Gaël Nofri echoed these sentiments, claiming the fire’s origins might be criminal. There’s currently no confirmed link between the two power outages, but the authorities are ramping up security at electric sites.

As investigations into these incidents unfold, experts warn of the potential ramifications. Cybersecurity and utility experts have highlighted the rising threats of sabotage in infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of robust security measures. According to a 2022 report by the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, such acts can cause more than just temporary disruptions; they pose long-term risks to public safety.

Local prosecutor Damien Martinelli confirmed that inquiries are ongoing to determine the specifics of the damages and how the fires were started. As the investigation continues, communities affected by the outages remain on high alert, hoping for answers and reassurance about their safety.

For ongoing updates and insights, you can visit trusted news sources like BBC or Reuters for the latest developments.

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