Weekly Report - 19 December 2013 (WR-13-50)

Just days after a serious outbreak of looting in cities across the country, Argentina experienced a heat wave that led to the collapse of its power grid, leaving thousands with no energy or water. Furious protesters took to the streets in Buenos Aires, with many businesses demanding compensation for spoiled goods. The government response has failed to inspire much confidence, even among its supporters. “When the temperature hits 32 degrees Celsius, we can expect to begin suffering blackouts,” Jorge Capitanich, the cabinet chief, told the press. As well as the soaring temperatures, the administration has attributed the blackouts to a higher level of industrial activity, and an increased use of air conditioning units and other cooling appliances.