What happened

A widespread blackout hit multiple industrial cities across Guangdong province simultaneously — including Dongguan, Shenzhen, Foshan, Zhuhai and the Baiyun district of Guangzhou — cutting electricity, water pressure, internet and mobile service. The Guangdong Power Supply Bureau attributed it to equipment failure; residents and local commentary linked it to a broader coal-supply shortage following China's restrictions on Australian coal imports, part of a wider power-rationing squeeze affecting central and eastern China at the time. Power was restored within about an hour after emergency repairs. The marker is regional, covering the affected metro area rather than a single facility.

When cited sources give different casualty, damage or spill figures for this event, they’re reported side by side above rather than merged into one number. See how confidence levels work.