Kerala rains: KSEB suffers ₹25.43 crore loss, 6.5 lakh affected by power outages

Thiruvananthapuram: Heavy rain continues to batter several parts of Kerala, causing extensive damage to the state's power distribution network. The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has estimated losses of ₹25.43 crore due to rain-related damage.

According to KSEB, as of 4 pm on August 3, the heavy rainfall had affected 2,892 transformers, disrupting power supply to 6,56,770 consumers across the state.

The damage includes 349 high-tension (HT) poles and 2,599 low-tension (LT) poles being destroyed. In addition, 248 HT lines and 7,212 LT lines snapped due to the severe weather. A total of 233 transformers were completely submerged in floodwaters.

KSEB said restoration work is progressing on a war footing across the state to restore electricity supply wherever possible.

Among all districts, Kannur and Pathanamthitta have been the worst affected by power disruptions. The utility said that power supply interruptions continue primarily in flood-affected regions. It added that power restoration in inundated regions can be done only after floodwaters recede and all safety protocols are ensured.

To speed up and better coordinate restoration work, KSEB has set up control rooms at the circle level across the state.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for 12 districts, from Pathanamthitta to Kasaragod, for Tuesday, forecasting heavy rainfall and strong winds of up to 60 kmph. Waterlogging persists in parts of Pathanamthitta, while floodwaters are receding slowly in Aranmula. However, rising water levels in the Pamba, Manimala and Achenkovil rivers continue to pose a concern. Educational institutions remain closed in several districts due to the adverse weather conditions.