German prosecutors open terror probe into Berlin blackout

German federal prosecutors on Tuesday said they had launched a terrorism investigation into an arson attack on high-voltage cables that triggered a power blackout affecting about 45,000 households in Berlin.

Prosecutors said they were probing Saturday's attack on suspicion of "membership in a terrorist organization, sabotage, arson and disruption of public services."

The attack was claimed online by a far-left extremist group calling itself Vulkangruppe, or Volcano Group, which said it was targeting "the fossil fuel economy" driving climate change.

"In the greed for energy, the Earth is being drained, sucked dry, burned, ravaged, razed, raped and destroyed," the group wrote.

Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner condemned the attack, saying "suspected left-wing extremists knowingly put lives at risk, especially those of patients in hospitals, as well as the elderly, children and families."

As of Tuesday, about 24,700 households and 1,120 businesses were still without power.

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Grid operator Stromnetz Berlin said it aims to restore full electricity supply by Thursday afternoon.

Berlin emergency services, supported by the army and charity groups, initially scrambled to help those affected to warm accommodation, including care home residents. Hotels, schools and sports centers were also used to supply shelter.

Emergency measures remain in place, with the German military providing logistic help and fueling emergency generators. Public swimming pools have been opened around the clock to allow residents to shower and warm up. About 20 schools remain closed, and public transport buses have been deployed as temporary warming shelters.

The Bundestag's interior committee is set to receive a briefing on the attack later this week, as authorities continue to rule out foreign involvement and focus their investigation on domestic left-wing extremism.

Berlin on Tuesday said it would move to cover hotel costs for residents hit by the massive and ongoing power outage in the city's southwest. The offer applies to Berlin Partner hotels charging a capped rate of €70 (about $82) per double room per night.