Venezuelan gov't working to restore power in wake of second blackout

Venezuela has been taking steps to restore electricity nationwide following a second widespread blackout this month, the government said in a statement.

The statement came after Venezuela's main Guri hydroelectric plant again suffered a crippling attack Monday night, knocking out power across several regions.

The authorities were working "to immediately repair the damage" caused by the attack on the plant in the southern Bolivar state. They were also trying "to reconnect and distribute electricity throughout the system nationwide," the statement said.

President Nicolas Maduro was leading the efforts along with members of the National Electricity Corporation, the National Bolivarian Armed Forces and the cabinet.

Monday's attack on the national electric system, which the government labeled as a "terrorist act," caused serious damage to essential infrastructure.

By Tuesday night, more than 85 percent of the national electricity service had been restored. However, damage to facilities and machinery has weakened the network, the statement added.

Venezuela suffered its worst blackout on March 7 when a power outage plunged nearly the entire country in darkness for about five days, and temporarily shuttered schools and offices.

Officials have blamed the blackouts on sabotage by U.S.-backed right-wing extremists trying to undermine the government.