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A massive power failure extended into a second day in Venezuela, marking one of the worst blackouts in recent memory for a nation accustomed to persistent electricity problems.

The government suspended work and school activities in the country of 30 million people after thousands were forced to walk home on darkened highways and avenues in urban centers Thursday afternoon. Most businesses remained closed in the capital Caracas on Friday morning with few people out on the streets.

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While the socialist government was quick to blame the incident on sabotage of the nation’s biggest and closely guarded hydroelectric plant, it appears other sources of electricity failed to pick up the slack, including thermoelectric units in the center and west of the country. With lights now off for as long as 16 hours, communication has also become an issue, with many mobile phone batteries losing their charge, as well as sporadic signals.

Photo by YURI CORTEZ/AFP/Getty Images

Communications Minister Jorge Rodriguez implied that the U.S. could be involved in the incident, a comment echoed by President Nicolas Maduro.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo scoffed at the accusations and said the blame rests squarely on the socialist regime’s inefficiency and lack of maintenance.

“The electricity war announced and led by U.S. imperialism against our people will be defeated,” Maduro wrote on his Twitter account. “No one will defeat the people of Bolivar and Chavez. Maximum unity of the patriots!”

Pompeo shot back: “Maduro’s policies bring nothing but darkness. No food. No medicine. Now, no power. Next, no Maduro.”