BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — An unprecedented blackout across Spain and Portugal upended the lives of millions across the Iberian Peninsula, a stark reminder of modern society’s reliance on electricity, and how quickly life can descend into chaos when the grid goes down.

Spain and Portugal declared a state of emergency after an all-encompassing power failure struck those nations as well as Belgium, Andorra and France.

Several airports, including Madrid airport, which is Spain's busiest, had no electricity, El Mundo reported. Madrid's mayor, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, urged residents to limit their movements and stay off roads. Major cities including Barcelona, Seville and Valencia were without power. Parts of France were also affected by power loss.