Cyclone Arnab To Hit Andhra Pradesh: As Cyclone Arnab approaches the coastline, Andhra Pradesh has ramped up its power preparedness by sending thousands of staff and key repair items to the Andhra Pradesh Eastern Power Distribution Company Limited (APEPDCL).
Officials have been asked to keep an eye on sensitive areas within the coast of Andhra Pradesh as there is expected to be high winds and heavy or very heavy rain. They are asking staff to keep watch over any power lines that may be affected.
APEPDCL Preparations
- Control Rooms: Control Rooms at divisional level and 24/7 within the corporate.
- Repair equipment: Cranes, diesel generators, power saws and pole drilling machines.
- Electrical Materials: Approx 1,180 km of conductors and over 70,700 prestressed concrete power poles.
- Monitoring: Monitoring weather updates, wind speeds and power feeders within the field.
Andhra Pradesh On High Alert
As of 26th October, Cyclone Arnab has strengthened within the Bay of Bengal. The Andhra Pradesh government has increased their disaster preparedness after the India Meteorological Department forecasted that the cyclone may hit somewhere between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam on 28th October.
Winds of 115-125kmph are forecast to hit with gusts of 140kmph. There will also be heavy or very heavy rain across multiple coastal districts.
The state government is asking power companies to be on standby 24/7. They have also asked them to secure key infrastructure and work with the district government. Senior officials must be available in vulnerable areas.
Electricity Helpline
If you experience any issues with your electricity supply or notice any damaged infrastructure then please call: 1912
Call the free number to report any power cuts or electricity emergency. APEPDCL have also asked customers to contact their local district control room.
APEPDCL said it had stocks of conductors, cables, distribution transformers and electric poles as of October 25. The inventory includes 425 km of 100 sq. mm AAA conductor, 756 km of 55 sq. mm AAA conductor and 496 km of low- tension aerial-bunched cable. Transformer stocks include 749 single-phase 25 kVA units, 681 three-phase 25 kVA units and 396 three-phase 63 kVA units. These will be used to replace damaged electrical equipment and restore supply.
“We have strengthened our preparedness with control rooms, manpower, machinery and essential materials to respond promptly to cyclone-related disruptions and restore power supply in affected areas,” Mr. Prudhvi Tej told The Hindu.
Safety Tips
- Avoid fallen wires, damaged poles and wires caught in trees.
- Do NOT touch or try to move fallen wires.
- Avoid walking through flooded areas where electrical equipment or cables may have been damaged.
- Report any electrical dangers to the electricity department and follow any safety advice.
