Remal inflicts Tk100cr loss on power sector

Cyclone Remal has caused a loss of Tk 100 crore to the electricity distribution companies.

Remal has hit 30 distributors of Palli Vidyut Samiti. At the same time, the power distribution system of West Zone Power Distribution Company has been damaged, according to sources from power, Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry.

Rural Electrification Board (REB) sources said 2,392 poles of Palli Vidyut Samiti were broken, 1,982 transformers were destroyed, 62,454 span wires were severed, 21,848 insulators were broken, and 46,318 meters were destroyed.

Initially, the amount of damage is estimated to be Tk 79 crore. But REB thinks this loss will exceed Tk 100 crore as it is still not possible to assess the damage in many areas.

Initial damage information provided by the West Zone Power Distribution Company showed that 20 poles were broken down. In addition, 135 polls have fallen. About 25 kilometers of electric cables were snapped. Also, 142 sets of 11 KV pole fittings destroyed, 12 transformers destroyed, 134 11 KV insulators destroyed. The initial damage is estimated to be Tk 5.76 crore.

In the morning, REB informed that about 2.35 crore customers were without electricity. After the storm, 1.26 crore customers are still without power even after power was restored in some areas. Besides, it has not been possible to provide electricity connection to four and a half lakh customers of West Zone Power Distribution Company.