Power cuts generally happen in developing nations, but not in Europe's biggest city, Berlin. So, when neighbourhoods and businesses in the German capital saw a blackout for entire two days, it not only made headlines across the world but also triggered a terrorism probe. The massive power outage, the longest in the city since the Second World War, left around 45,000 households without electricity amid sub-zero temperatures.
German authorities said they were probing Saturday's attack on suspicion of "membership in a terrorist organisation, sabotage, arson and disruption of public services". Power in Berlin was restored fully only on Thursday.
The issue was so grave that the German government had to rope in the army to assist affected residents, reported German news outlet DW. Civic authorities and charities also provided warm shelters in hotels, schools and sports centres.
The temperature in Berlin was -9 degrees Celsius on Thursday. The average temperature in Berlin ranged around -2 degrees Celsius these days, with the minimum dipping to -11.
While reports suggest that power has now been fully restored in Berlin, what is shocking is that 45,000 homes and 1,120 businesses were without electricity for two days.
During the power outage, public swimming pools were opened round-the-clock for showers and heating, while buses served as temporary warming stations.
Berlin civic authorities also announced that they would cover hotel costs for residents impacted by the outage, capping rates at
