Iraq ( The COW News Digital)A massive power outage swept across large parts of Iraq on Tuesday, plunging cities and rural areas into darkness during one of the hottest periods of the year. The blackout, which affected millions, was triggered by the sudden shutdown of a major power plant in the western province of Anbar, according to the Iraqi Ministry of Electricity.
Officials said the Anbar plant—considered a key component of the national grid—was forced to halt operations due to an unexpected technical failure. The abrupt stoppage caused a cascading effect across the national electricity network, cutting off power supply to multiple provinces within minutes.
“The failure at the Anbar facility disrupted the balance of the grid, leading to automatic shutdowns in other connected stations,” a ministry spokesperson explained. “Technical teams have been dispatched to the site and are working round the clock to restore operations.”
While engineers race against time to bring the power back, the ministry assured the public that electricity will be restored gradually, with priority given to critical infrastructure such as hospitals, water treatment plants, and security facilities.
The outage has sparked outrage among residents already struggling with sweltering summer heat, with daytime temperatures in parts of Iraq soaring above 50°C (122°F). Social media was flooded with videos and complaints from citizens describing the blackout as a “national crisis” and accusing the government of failing to invest in modernizing the power sector.
“This is unbearable. We can’t survive without electricity in this heat,” said Ahmed Karim, a shopkeeper in Baghdad. “It’s not the first time this has happened, but it’s the worst we’ve seen in years.”
The blackout has also raised concerns about Iraq’s aging power infrastructure, which has been plagued by chronic underinvestment, corruption, and years of conflict. Despite billions of dollars spent on repairs and upgrades, frequent outages remain common, especially during peak summer demand.
In response to public anger, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident, instructing the Ministry of Electricity to identify the root cause of the failure and take preventive measures. Officials said they are not ruling out the possibility of sabotage, though no evidence has yet emerged.
The government has promised to release a preliminary report within days, but for now, millions remain without power, enduring another night in stifling heat.
