Widespread Blackout Hits Alpes-Maritimes as Cannes Film Festival Continues Uninterrupted
A major blackout has impacted the French department of Alpes-Maritimes since 10 AM today, affecting approximately 160,000 homes in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, where the iconic Cannes Film Festival is underway. Officials suggest that the power failure is linked to an arson fire that occurred in the municipality of Tanneron, which was successfully extinguished around 6:30 AM.
Cities including Cannes, Nice, and Antibes have reported power outages, leaving residents and businesses in the dark. Despite the widespread disruption, the organizers of the Cannes Film Festival confirm that events at the Palais des Festivals, the venue hosting the festival's main screenings, are still ongoing as scheduled. The theater is currently operating on temporary independent generators, ensuring that the highly anticipated closing ceremony this evening will proceed without delays.
Authorities are working to restore power to affected areas, while the investigation into the arson incident is likely to be a top priority. The situation is being closely monitored as local residents await updates on when normal electricity supply will resume. The resilience displayed by the festival's organizers amidst this challenge is commendable, as they continue to celebrate the cinematic achievements that attract art and film enthusiasts from around the globe.
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