Shortly after 12.30 pm, the alert stage of the municipal civil protection plan for a mass power outage was activated. The Barcelona Emergency Operational Coordination Centre (CECOR) was also activated, led by the Mayor, Jaume Collboni, and with the presence of the municipal manager and managers of other areas, plus the city’s security forces and emergency services.

Disruptions to mobility

The TMB metro network is working partially:

• L1 between Fondo and La Sagrera and from Mercat Nou to Hospital de Bellvitge.
• L5 between Cornellà and Diagonal, without stopping in Sants-Estació.
• L9 Sud and L10 Sud operational.

The TMB bus network is operating with some disruptions to times owing to the traffic situation and traffic lights out of operation. Electric buses on the H12 and H16 lines, which recharge at stops, have been replaced by other vehicles.

The Bicing service is unavailable and BSM car parks have raised their barriers to allow vehicles to get out. Park Güell, the Zoo and Tibidabo are closed.

People trapped in transit

For people trapped in the city in transit, particularly the most vulnerable, the City Council has opened spaces near the main stations where people can spend the night: Can Ricart, the sports centre at the Estació del Nord and the Can Dragó sports centre.

Emergency callouts

Barcelona Fire Service has handled 388 callouts, 90% of them for incidents relating to lifts. Priority has been given to action at healthcare centres, geriatric centres, schools, public spaces and homes for vulnerable people. Priority has also been given to freeing people trapped on public rail transport.

Firefighters have ensured the supply of fuel for emergency services and power generators, particularly at medical facilities. The City Police have bolstered their service too to regulate traffic affected by traffic lights out operation.

Medical care a priority

Non-urgent healthcare in the city has been cancelled and urgent medical resources have been strengthened. The Medical Emergency Service (SEM) is assisting patients with oxygen at home to guarantee their supply.

The Barcelona Social Emergency and Urgent Care Centre (CUESB) is checking that homes for the elderly in the city have power generators to ensure their electricity supply. Priority is being given to the most vulnerable. A centre to help the homeless is also being considered if the power cut continues into the night and the usual facilities are not available. The CUESB has 80 places for people to spend the night and the Social Emergency Centre a further 150.

Extra security

Security is being stepped up with extra City Police officers on duty during the night, including loudspeakers for people with not connection or power in their homes.

Recommendations

• People are advised to keep mobility to strictly essential travel only.
• People are requested only to go to hospitals and primary medical centres for emergencies.
• People are reminded to prioritise mobility on foot if they need to get somewhere as public transport by rail is disrupted.
• Only call 112 in emergencies, not to request information.
• For information, follow the instructions from the authorities by checking official channels and reliable media.
• Where possible, conserve mobile phone battery levels.