"The blackout took me by surprise, I have not even been able to work," says a Venezuelan in the northern city of Barquisimeto. "My food is practically wasted," says another citizen, using his phone as a flashlight in the dark streets of Maracaibo. Venezuelans from different states are affected by a nationwide blackout that authorities blame on sabotage of the national power grid -- the latest crisis to hit the country after a disputed presidential election. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES [TO COMPLETE 36F68A7_EN + 36EZ4LH_EN + 36F68A4_EN + 36F33BM_EN]