Iraq Suffers Extensive Power Outages Amid Heat Wave, Sabotage

A fire at the Al-Bkir substation in Basra and sabotage of northern transmission lines led to widespread power outages across central and southern Iraq on Saturday, according to Iraq’s Electricity Ministry. The incidents resulted in a total blackout, disrupting services amid an intense heat wave, with temperatures soaring to 47° Celsius (116.6° Fahrenheit), and the observance of the Shiite holy day of Ashoura.

The blackout’s fallout extended to Baghdad, where the municipality reported tap water disruptions. Emergency measures are in place, running water pumps via generators to lessen citizen impact.

Ministry staff have commenced repairs to the northern lines, which had been delayed due to security threats in the remote desert area. The ministry has ordered inquiries into both incidents. The crises highlight the urgency of a recently-signed $27 billion deal with TotalEnergies, aimed at addressing Iraq’s protracted electricity woes, enticing global investors, and reducing reliance on Iranian gas imports.