Water scarcity escalates in Venezuela

ANKARA

A breakdown of water pumps Thursday had an adverse impact on the daily life of Venezuelans who are in the middle of the greatest political crisis in its history.

Power cuts led to a breakdown of water pumps and Venezuelans rushed to alternative resources such as gardens, natural springs and rivers, according to local news.

In accordance with the water shortage, ongoing since Monday, a large number of schools, plants and workplaces were shut down.

Juan Guaido, the country’s self-proclaimed president, said the opposition would take to the streets Saturday, and rallies were to be a rehearsal of Operation Liberty to be launched April 6 where he will embark on a nationwide tour to rally support to, in part, oust President Nicolas Maduro from office.

Maduro said the power failure would be solved within hours as Corpoelec, Venezuela's National Electricity Corporation, was working on the breakdown in a large-scale hydroelectric power plant.

Maduro urged Venezuelans to remain calm and to understand the reason for the power cuts.

Corpoelec claimed the breakdown was due to "sabotage" and Maduro blamed the U.S. for the power shortage.

* Writing by Ali Murat Alhas