A massive blackout plunged parts of the Czech Republic into darkness on July 4, 2025, after a high-voltage powerline collapsed during a severe storm, disrupting electricity to over 1.5 million households.
The incident, reported by ČEZ, the country’s largest utility, occurred when a 400kV line near Brno snapped under 120 km/h winds, sparking fires that damaged 10 substations. Emergency services mobilized 500 workers, restoring power to 40% of affected areas by midday, though rural regions like Moravia remain offline, impacting 500,000 residents.
The blackout, the worst since 2005, halted 30% of industrial output, including Škoda Auto’s production, costing $200 million daily. Prime Minister Petr Fiala declared a state of emergency, requesting EU aid and 1,000 generators, while 70% of citizens faced water shortages due to pump failures. Meteorologists attribute the storm to climate change, with rainfall 50% above average. ČEZ plans a $1 billion upgrade by 2027, but critics blame aging infrastructure, with 20% of lines over 40 years old. Recovery efforts continue, with full restoration expected by July 10.