So…you probably all realized that we had a blackout in Kuwait last night.
The lights went off around 7.20pm last night and your whatsapp was probably blowing up with messages like this…
It started in places like Salwa, Rumaithiya and Surra before it spread to the majority of Kuwait…
Ok might be easier to list areas that HAVE electricity since most of Kuwait seems in the dark. #kuwait #halablackout
— Mark Makhoul (@mark248am) February 11, 2015
Some of you might have been at home waiting for the appropriate time to start breaking out the candles or other inventive lighting options…
http://instagram.com/p/y-DGALy0x-/?modal=true
“Headlamps come in handy for something other than caving.”
Other people might have been stuck in one of the many businesses that were affected. Nail salons, on the highway, or still at work (We salute you, brave ones).
This was taken during a manicure, trust us.
http://instagram.com/p/y-LbHvytO7/?modal=true
Al Bustan Mall in the dark.
#halablackout #kuwait pic.twitter.com/lcstbbrU5E — Lina (@Linaelamine) February 11, 2015
There were even a few inspiring moments…
The dedication of our doctors even during the blackout. Proud of them. Sadly some people fail to respect them #KUWAIT pic.twitter.com/SqlvYN9pFs
— Sadeq Dashti (@AryanColt) February 11, 2015
And creative ones…
In the dark photoshoots
http://instagram.com/p/y-SFHmPA1L/?modal=true
Soon it became clear that there wasn’t a definite time for when the lights would be back on, and social media went nuts. #blackoutkuwait #halablackout
Electricity has been out for a few minutes in #Kuwait City so the whole Gulf is now worried about them. — Mohammad Hijazi (@mhijazi) February 11, 2015
Most of Kuwait in the Dark #halablackout http://t.co/RO0Uh3qN0W — The Blogs Lounge (@theblogslounge) February 11, 2015
I wonder if my dog realises the power is out
— adlybazaar (@adlybazaar) February 11, 2015
Although the majority of the action was on Twitter…
It is in moments like this that twitter comes back to life and instagram takes a break. #Kuwait — Moayad Wali (@MoayadW) February 11, 2015
Instagram still had its moments…
http://instagram.com/p/y99Y5_AM7R/?modal=true
Ministry of Electricity & Water, and various news outlets released statements and reports…
انقطاع الكهرباء بمعظم مناطق البلاد نتيجة لخلل فني
— M.E.W-Kuwait (@mew_kwt) February 11, 2015
Electricity blackout in Kuwait “precautionary” – minister http://t.co/WGVLgIq9aZ — kuwait news agency (@kuna_en) February 11, 2015
Most of #Kuwait hit by #blackout. Electricity and water ministry says technical problem being repaired; power to resume “soon”. — Gulf News (@gulf_news) February 11, 2015
Still, the slightly vague timeline left people in the dark… (wink wink).
My soul’s darker than the current situation of Kuwait, so I got that going for me which is nice. — Adil Mohammed (@adilmohammed91_) February 11, 2015
While the officials worked on getting the power back, we saw some stunning shots of the skyline thrust into darkness
The Kuwait skyline from a bazaarite’s Salmiya apartment.
The Kuwait skyline from a bazaarite’s Sha’ab apartment.
One of the richest countries in the world #Kuwait is in total darkness & has now electricity right now pic.twitter.com/jo5gHVZEkX
— حامد الملحم (@HamedAlMelhem) February 11, 2015
Some people started to tweet suggestions for safety precautions
Lock your doors! Burglars know all security systems and CCTV videos are off so stay safe! #kuwait #blackout — Hoda Abbas Marafie (@hoda7) February 11, 2015
But most of us had more pressing concerns…
All hell will break loose in Kuwait when everyone’s phone battery will die. #KuwaitBlackOut
— Rampurple (@rampurple) February 11, 2015
Soon though, the power started to return to the different areas, one at a time.
Does anyone else feel bit sad night is back to normal? #kuwaitblackout — Bashar Abdullah (@Bashar3A) February 11, 2015
POWER BACK IN SALWA WOOHOO #kuwaitblackout
— Ali Sleeq (@AliSleeq) February 11, 2015
People in some areas were still waiting and wondering if they should just cut their losses and go to bed…
Hey #kuwait don’t forget to put Egalia back on the grid!!! 21:27 still no power #kuwaitblackout pic.twitter.com/CGVnYNw4uW — Krissy_CPT (@GetFitKeepFit1) February 11, 2015
And then there was light!
Quite a ruckus over a few hours of darkness left us with some excitement to discuss at the work the next day, but also some food for thought…
