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Workers try to fix the power grid
Photo: JONATHAN DRAKE / REUTERS
The US Federal Police FBI is investigating attacks on power substations in the state of North Carolina.
Tens of thousands of people in Moore County have been without power since the weekend.
The FBI is working with local law enforcement agencies to investigate the "premeditated attacks," the Washington Post quoted a spokeswoman for the FBI's Charlotte field office as saying.
The authorities had previously announced that two substations had been targeted on Saturday.
The repair work is expected to continue until Thursday.
Apparently 9,000 people now have electricity again.
As on Monday, the schools are now to remain closed on Tuesday.
Shops have also closed and are missing out on an important part of their Christmas business.
Some cafes give away hot coffee or food.
A new level of threat
State Gov. Roy Cooper thanked everyone who helped, including "law enforcement, the people directing traffic because the lights are out, the health care providers, the emergency responders and others who are doing their best."
Cooper said state and federal investigators are "making every effort to find those responsible."
"Protecting critical infrastructure like our power grid must be a top priority," Cooper said.
"This type of attack represents a new level of threat. We will evaluate how to work with our energy suppliers and federal and state governments to ensure we protect our infrastructure where needed."
There had previously been rumors that the attack was an attempt to thwart a local drag show.
Sheriff Ronnie Fields emphasized that there is no evidence of this so far.
mfh/dpa
