Aden -- Electricity has been temporarily restored to parts of Aden following a week-long blackout that plunged the city into darkness and disrupted essential services. 

The restoration comes after emergency measures were approved by Yemeni Prime Minister Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak to address the worsening power crisis.

The outage, triggered by a severe fuel shortage, had forced all power stations offline, leaving hospitals, water facilities, and thousands of homes without electricity during a sweltering heatwave. Temperatures soared above 38°C (100°F), exacerbating the suffering of residents.

“The situation remains fragile,” a spokesperson said. “We are working around the clock to stabilize the grid, but without consistent fuel deliveries, full restoration is not yet possible.”

The crisis has reignited calls for long-term energy solutions. In recent months, Aden has seen progress on solar energy initiatives, including the launch of Yemen’s first large-scale solar power plant, which now supplies electricity to thousands of homes.

Local residents expressed cautious relief but urged authorities to ensure sustainable power access. “We’re grateful for the return of electricity, even if it’s temporary,” said Fatima al-Harazi, a schoolteacher in Crater District. “But we need lasting solutions, not just emergency fixes.”

The government has pledged to continue fuel negotiations and accelerate renewable energy projects to reduce dependence on costly diesel imports. Meanwhile, humanitarian organizations have warned that prolonged outages could jeopardize public health and safety, especially in hospitals and refugee shelters.

As Aden navigates this fragile recovery, the city’s resilience remains a testament to its people’s endurance in the face of chronic infrastructure challenges.