Water scarcity escalates in Venezuela

<p>By Sinan Dogan<br> <br> ANKARA (AA) – 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.</p> <p>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.<br> <br> In accordance with the water shortage, ongoing since Monday, a large number of schools, plants and workplaces were shut down.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.<br> <br> Maduro urged Venezuelans to remain calm and to understand the reason for the power cuts.<br> <br> Corpoelec claimed the breakdown was due to &quot;sabotage&quot; and Maduro blamed the U.S. for the power shortage.<br> <br> <br> * Writing by Ali Murat Alhas</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p><br>