The devastating impact of Cyclonic storm 'Remal' has plunged 27 million customers nationwide into darkness and caused widespread power outages.
The Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources announced on Monday evening that Remal resulted in loss and damages worth approximately Tk 91.20 crore.
According to a press release issued by the ministry detailing the event, 65 of the 80 Palli Bidyut Samity (PBS) gridlines across the country have experienced various levels of power outage. Specifically, 30 PBSs reported extensive damage, with some 2,392 poles, 1,982 transformers, 62,454 spans of wire, and 46,318 metres of power lines affected.
The West Zone Power Distribution Company Limited (WZPDCL) also suffered significant damages as reports indicate that some 20 poles were destroyed, 135 were tilted, and about 24.34 kilometres of electrical wires were severed.
Despite the severe cyclonic storm, the power ministry has assured that the operational activities of the floating LNG terminals have remained normal. Fortunately, these installations were not damaged, even amid the ongoing strong winds, heavy rains, and high tidal waves. The initially reduced supply of Regasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG) has gradually increased since Sunday evening and has currently reached 1,000 MMCFD.
The press release also noted that the full extent of the damages done as of yet could not be determined due to the continuing effects of the cyclonic storm. Initial damage estimates have been compiled based on telephone discussions with field-level officials.
The release added that central monitoring is ongoing through a 24-hour control room, with additional control rooms established at district levels and for each PBS, and transportation contractors are placed on standby.
To address the emergency, the Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board and WZPDCL have cancelled all officials' leaves. They are now fully prepared to undertake the necessary maintenance work.
