Power lines downed by tropical storm "Freddy"
Maputo, 26 Feb (AIM) – During its passage through the southern Mozambican province of Inhambane on Friday, tropical cyclone Freddy knocked down 21 medium voltage electricity pylons, and destroyed one transformer post.
According to the publicly owned electricity company EDM, this left 3,326 of its clients without electricity in the districts of Vilankulo, Inhassouro, Mabote, Massinga and Funhalouro.
An EDM press release put the cost of repairing the damage done by Freddy at 6,656,000 meticais (about 104,000 US dollars at the current exchange rate).
EDM technical staff are already on the ground in the affected districts, working to restore the power supply.
However, continued rain and the inaccessibility of some of the fallen pylons are proving the main obstacles to a speedy restoration of normal electricity supplies.
EDM added that “despite the damage caused by the storms, the high voltage transmission lines and the sub-station at national level are stable”.
While the repair teams are at work, EDM recommends strict observance of prevention and safety measures. Members of the public should stay away from any electrical equipment, avoid touching cables or pylons, and prevent children from playing near the damaged pylons.
(AIM)
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