Tourist describes power outage during Spanish trip

A holidaymaker has described the confusion and disruption caused by a widespread power outage in Spain.

Camilla Sherwin, from Oundle in Northamptonshire, is staying in Malaga with her husband for their anniversary.

The blackout left millions across Spain and Portugal without power on Monday, with effects also reported in parts of France.

Ms Sherwin said: "Suddenly everything moved to a cash-based economy. That was the one big thing we became aware of."

The blackout affected mobile networks, halted trains, and caused delays at airports.

Play was suspended at the Madrid Open tennis tournament, and a state of emergency was declared by Spanish authorities.

Ms Sherwin added: "We were in a queue for a Spanish espresso but everywhere was saying we've got no electricity, we can't serve you. They didn't quite know what had happened."

Later, she saw police directing traffic as lights failed, and queues forming at cash machines and restaurants that still had power.

This is not the first time Ms Sherwin has encountered travel disruption in Europe.

"We brought snow to Cyprus, and ended a drought in Sicily... don't travel with us as we can bring massive disruption. We have impact," she said.

Power has now been restored in both Spain and Portugal, but transport delays and disruptions are ongoing.

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