National blackout leaves Panama in darkness

Panama was scrambling to restore power Sunday after a nighttime blackout plunged the Central American country into darkness.

The power cut, which struck shortly before midnight, was caused by damage to a private generator, President Jose Raul Mulino said.

Access to drinking water was also suspended as the blackout affected water treatment facilities, the Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers(IDAAN) said.

Mulino posted a video on X which he said showed an explosion at a facility southwest of the capital Panama City.

"Service will be restored little by little," he wrote, adding that he was asking for a report on the incident.