$BTC Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and many others operate on a network called blockchain, which is like a large digital ledger 📖, distributed among thousands (sometimes millions) of computers around the world. These computers are called nodes, and they are responsible for validating and storing each transaction.

⚠️ What if there is a blackout?

When there is a blackout, the nodes in that region disconnect temporarily. This can happen for hours or even days. What is the result?

🔄 Less processing power: If a significant portion of the nodes (as happened in China or Kazakhstan at their time) goes dark, the network becomes slower and less secure for a while.

🧾 Transactions may take longer: If you are sending cryptocurrencies right when there is a blackout in an area with many nodes, the validation time for your operation may increase ⏳.

🌐 Your access also matters: Although the network continues to operate globally, if you have no power or internet, you cannot interact with your wallet, make transfers, or see your balance. 😬

🔄 But... does the money get lost?

No. Your cryptocurrencies are not erased, nor do they disappear, nor do they get "lost" because of a blackout. Everything is recorded on the blockchain and syncs when the nodes come back online ⚙️. The only thing that happens is that your access is momentarily interrupted.

Think of it as if you were on a plane with no signal 📵: you cannot see your messages, but they are still there waiting for you when you reconnect.

🧱 And what do cryptos do to prevent these problems?

✅ Decentralization: The strength of cryptocurrencies lies in the fact that they do not depend on a single country or power system. Although one area may lose power, the rest of the world continues to operate.

✅ Backup networks: Some cryptocurrencies are developing technologies to be even more resistant to these outages, such as the use of satellites or alternative networks (for example, Blockstream's satellites for Bitcoin 🛰️)