What happened

State utility STELCO reported a damaged high-voltage cable connected to a transformer temporarily stationed at the Maldives Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC) site as the cause of a city-wide power outage in Malé on Sunday 5 March 2017. Residents reported hearing a loud noise before the blackout, which lasted from approximately 13:00 to 16:30, though some areas in Maafannu ward regained power earlier, around 14:00. The outage disrupted electricity, telecommunications and the water supply, since most buildings in Malé rely on electric pumps for water distribution. STELCO said it was investigating the incident and would publicize the results. This is documented as an accidental equipment failure, not an attack.

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.