Opposition lawmakers and aid groups warned that an unprecedented nationwide blackout in Venezuela was causing a rising number of deaths, as citizens struggled to find food and water.
Caracas, Venezuela - Opposition lawmakers and aid groups warned Sunday that an unprecedented nationwide blackout in Venezuela was causing a rising number of deaths, as citizens struggled for a fourth day to find food and water and hospitals were paralysed.
It was not possible to independently confirm the reports. The Venezuelan government has released little information on the blackout, blaming it on sabotage by US authorities. Trump administration officials have denied the accusation and attributed the power outages to years of underinvestment and poor maintenance. While power was restored to some areas on Sunday, it was often fickle, failing hours later.
The mother, Alexandra Amundaray, a parking-lot attendant, said her 5-month-old son, Emanuel, had been suffering from dehydration in recent days. On Sunday morning, when he awoke, he was pale and cold, she said. She managed to get one of the few functioning ambulances in the city to rush him to the hospital, where he was treated at the emergency room for a blocked intestine, she said. "They went looking for a pediatric surgeon," she said. "And then he died.
A woman waiting outside the emergency room for a doctor to see her 6-month-old daughter, who was suffering from a bacterial infection, said she had been told only one doctor was working Sunday in the pediatric ward. The woman spoke on the condition of anonymity, saying she feared government retaliation.
What would happen if the diesel to operate the generator gave out? "All the doctors are obviously afraid of this," he said. Power returned in some Caracas neighbourhoods Sunday. In Guarenas, a working-class suburb where residents infuriated by the blackout burned tires and trash on Saturday, electrical service returned early Sunday morning, but electricity failed several hours later. Long lines formed outside bakeries, supermarkets and gas stations that had power.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Venezuela's Guaido calls for protest as blackout drags on | IOL NewsVenezuelan opposition leader JuanGuaido called on citizens to travel to Caracas for a protest against socialist President Nicolas Maduro.
Read more »
Kidnapped businessman dumped in field as hunt for suspects continues | IOL NewsPolokwane police have successfully rescued a businessman who was reported missing following a house robbery and kidnapping.
Read more »
Karima Brown prepares electoral court complaint as threats continue | IOL NewsJournalist KarimaBrown was preparing to take the EFF to the Electoral Court as supporters of the party continued to target her with threats and abuse.
Read more »
Karima Brown vows to lay further complaints as EFF supporters continue to attack | IOL NewsJournalist KarimaBrown said she would lay complaints with the police and IEC against the EFF after Julius Malema sparked an outpouring of abuse against her from his supporters.
Read more »
Spokesman of top Rwandan opposition politician found dead | IOL NewsThe spokesman for leading Rwandan opposition politician VictoireIngabire has been found dead, a government official said.
Read more »
Situation tense in Mmabatho after 'kidnapped' schoolboys found dead in swimming pool | IOL NewsAn angry crowd vowed to chase foreign nationals out of Mahikeng after two boys who were allegedly kidnapped were found dead in a swimming pool.
Read more »
Rumours swirl after missing boys found dead in swimming pool | IOL NewsThe circumstances surrounding the death of two Mahikeng boys who drowned in a swimming pool at Imperial Reserve, Mahikeng, has left community members 'baffled' and police urging residents to resist rumour-mongering.
Read more »
Mahikeng boys found dead at pool were not mutilated - MEC | IOL NewsTwo boys who were found dead at a pool at Imperial Reserve in Mahikeng were not mutilated, North West Community Safety MEC Mpho Motlhabane said.
Read more »
'Kidnapped' Mahikeng schoolboys found dead in swimming pool | IOL NewsTwo Mahikeng schoolboys, were allegedly kidnapped while playing at a park, were found dead in a swimming pool.
Read more »
Missing UK film producer's body found in shallow grave at her home | IOL NewsThe body Laureline Garcia-Bertaux was found in a shallow grave at the back of her home days after she failed to report to work following a coffee date.
Read more »