Karnataka sends 500 powermen to help restore electricity in Andhra Pradesh
Chief Minister D K Shivakumar announced the deployment of skilled workers and equipment to assist after Cyclone Arnab uprooted 15,000 electricity poles.
Karnataka will deploy 500 skilled powermen and necessary equipment to help restore power infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh following Cyclone Arnab, according to the Deccan Herald. Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said on Monday that the assistance comes after Andhra Pradesh sought help to repair damage caused by the storm.
The cyclone uprooted over 15,000 electricity poles, making the restoration of power critical, Shivakumar said. He noted that he had spoken to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu regarding the support. Energy Minister K J George is monitoring the situation as the Karnataka Energy Department coordinates the effort.
The assistance includes 15 Palfinger trucks fitted with earth augers and cranes, as well as 25 drilling machines mounted on tractors. These teams, which left Karnataka on Monday afternoon, are organised into groups of 10 led by engineers. Each Electricity Supply Company (ESCOM) has appointed a single point of contact to liaise with officials in Andhra Pradesh.
The cyclone caused significant destruction, with three people killed and 31 houses damaged as it made landfall on Wednesday, according to Scroll. The storm, which had maximum sustained wind speeds between 125 kmph and 135 kmph, also caused heavy rainfall in coastal areas. In Yanam, strong winds uprooted trees and electricity poles.
Flight operations at airports in Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, and Rajahmundry have been impacted by the weather. Additionally, at least 64 trains were cancelled on Tuesday and Wednesday as a precaution. Chief Minister Naidu has directed officials to clear uprooted trees and restore power once conditions improve.