Telangana Floods: Power Staff Risk Safety for Supply

Under the northern discom limits, 15 substations were submerged and power staff restored supply in 14 as last reports came in. Of the 108 power poles affected, including 19 almost uprooted and others leaning dangerously, 87 were repaired.

NPDCL CMD K. Varun Reddy, along with senior officials, visited the affected zones in Nizamabad, Karimnagar, and Jagtial to oversee restoration efforts. Power workers braved floodwaters, swimming across a lake with ropes in Gundaram to repair lines and restore electricity.

In Medak, under the southern discom, extensive flood damage was reported in areas like Haveli Ghanpur, Papannapet, Ramayampet, and Nizampet. The floods damaged 971 electric poles and 262 transformers, disrupting over 175 feeders. Additionally, breached tanks and overflowing reservoirs caused widespread road and rail disruptions.

Flood waters entered several substations. Districts such as Nalgonda, Gadwal, Yadadri, Sangareddy, and Narayanpet also reported damages.

Overall, across the discom’s jurisdiction, 39 33 kV feeders, 296 11 kV feeders, 280 distribution transformers, and 1,357 electric poles were damaged. Chief Engineer, rural zone, Bala Swamy, said the damage could worsen. Southern discom CMD Musharraf Alo Faruqui lauded the heroic commitment of power department staff to restore electricity.