India hit by second huge power cut

India has been hit by a second major power blackout in two days.

Officials estimate that the electricity supply to more than half its 1.2 billion population was cut.

The Central Electricity Authority said the massive grid failure had today spread from the north to the east.

The Times of India said 19 states were without power and major cities including the capital New Delhi and Kolkata were affected.

The latest power cut comes follows similar major disruption on Monday, blamed on India’s aging energy infrastructure.

Commentators say the blackouts were caused by some states using more power than authorised and the grid couldn’t cope.

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