Power returns to Panama several hours after night time power cut

Power was restored in Panama on Sunday after a nighttime blackout plunged the Central American country into darkness for several hours.

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

Writing on X, the state power utility ETESA said that electricity was restored across the country at 6:08 am (11h08 GMT).

Access to drinking water was temporarily suspended as the blackout affected water treatment facilities. 

Short power cuts are frequent in Panama.

Mulino suggested that some energy companies could be sanctioned for the latest blackout.

"We will act accordingly. Enough of the terrible service," he wrote on X.

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