TAUKTAE EFFECT: POWER, MOBILE NETWORK OUTAGES IN PALGHAR, MUMBAI

Mumbai: The severe cyclonic storm Tauktae affected power supply and mobile network in several regions of Maharashtra. Palghar and Mumbai were among the worst-affected. In Palghar district, the cyclone disrupted power supply in several talukas since Monday night. In many places, power lines were broken due to the storm. MSEDCL’s power substations were cut off and citizens in many parts of the area had to spend more than 48 hours without electricity. Rural areas were particularly badly hit.

Due to no electricity, mobile and internet services were also disrupted, causing a break in communications. The cyclone also interrupted water supply in many localities.

A similar situation occurred in the Mumbai region. Power fluctuations and outages were reported from several parts of Mumbai and its metropolitan region including Navi Mumbai, Thane, Vasai-Virar and Pen. A flurry of complaints were seen on social media, with many posts tagging power distributing companies of BEST Undertaking, Tata Power, Adani Electricity and MSEDCL, and demanding for underground power lines.

In many areas across the city and suburbs, like Dadar, Tardeo, Kurla and Santa Cruz, consumers complained of power outages ranging from a few minutes to 5-6 hours.

The power outages, which affected mobile network towers, Wi-Fi facilities and charging outlets, also hurt many professionals working from home.

Despite a sigh of relief on Monday evening, Mumbai citizens faced power cuts for several minutes on Tuesday and Wednesday again. MSEDCL employees could not carry out work to restore power supply due to the heavy rains too. Out of 38 sub-stations in the district, 29 sub-stations were operational till Tuesday morning.

Power supply has been hampered due to the collapse of several pole towers and uprooting of power lines and trees.