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Millions Without Power in Brazil

Problems at huge hydroelectric dam spread beyond border

By Will McCahill,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 10, 2009 8:10 PM CST

(Newser) – Trouble at the world’s largest hydroelectric dam has millions in Brazil without power tonight. Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro—the nation’s largest cities, with combined metropolitan populations well beyond 20 million—are affected, as are many smaller towns. An official at the Itaipu dam tells the BBC that it has lost its entire hydroelectric output. CBS reported over the weekend that hackers are beyond recent blackouts, a charge Brazil’s government denied.

The Copacabana beach is seen during a blackout in Rio de Janeiro, Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009.
The Copacabana beach is seen during a blackout in Rio de Janeiro, Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009.   (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)
The Lagoa de Freitas neighborhood  in Rio de Janeiro is seen during the blackout.
The Lagoa de Freitas neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro is seen during the blackout.   (Ap Photo/Felipe Dana)
Atlantica Avenue at Copabana beach in Rio de Janeiro is seen during the blackout.
Atlantica Avenue at Copabana beach in Rio de Janeiro is seen during the blackout.   (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)
Epitacio Pessoa Av. at Lagoa de Freitas neighborhood  in Rio de Janeiro.
Epitacio Pessoa Av. at Lagoa de Freitas neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro.   (Ap Photo/Felipe Dana)
Atlantica Avenue at Copabana beach in Rio de Janeiro.
Atlantica Avenue at Copabana beach in Rio de Janeiro.   (Ap Photo/Felipe Dana)
Sao Paolo, Brazil, tonight.
Sao Paolo, Brazil, tonight.   (Wikimedia Creative Commons)
Sao Paolo, Brazil, tonight.
Sao Paolo, Brazil, tonight.   (Wikimedia Creative Commons)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 9 comments
divetrader
Nov 11, 2009 11:09 AM CST
Hey, ist a party town, they turned the lights off on purpose.
JoeQ
Nov 11, 2009 4:27 AM CST
Nine months from now there is sure to be a burst of Brazilian babies.
schmidtkoff
Nov 11, 2009 3:59 AM CST
yippers, sure hope they get their sh_t together before summer of 2012. what was that song? oh yeah, my kinda town chicago is.

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