Ecuador declares state of emergency due to attacks on energy plants

Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa issued a declaration of a state of emergency on Friday in response to recent attacks on energy plants and critical infrastructure facilities.

Under the presidential decree, the army and police have been given extensive powers to prevent sabotage against energy plants. Colombia's decision to suspend electricity exports to Ecuador has resulted in daily power outages in Ecuador lasting up to eight hours.

Noboa, who assumed office in November, had previously declared an energy emergency and implemented power reductions earlier this week. However, these cuts are expected to be halted on Sunday to facilitate a referendum in which he appears likely to succeed in passing a series of security measures.

According to the decree, the latest state of emergency is intended to "ensure the uninterrupted provision of electricity services."

The ongoing drought in Ecuador is exacerbating the energy crisis. Power cuts are implemented daily for an average of two to five hours. Energy companies have provided information to the public regarding the schedule of electricity cuts in various cities, including the capital, Quito.

The Ministry of Energy announced on April 17 that factors such as rising temperatures, decreasing water flows, and drought are affecting the country's energy system.

Source: AA