Residents of Ludhiana are grappling with extended power cuts following heavy rainfall that lashed the city. The downpour, which continued for several hours, caused widespread waterlogging and technical faults in the electricity infrastructure, leading to prolonged outages in many areas.
Impact on Daily Life
The power cuts have severely disrupted daily routines, with residents facing hours without electricity. Essential services like water supply and sewage systems were also affected, compounding the misery. Many households relied on backup generators and inverters, but prolonged cuts drained batteries, leaving people in the dark.
Technical Faults and Waterlogging
According to officials from the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), the rain caused multiple faults in transformers and power lines. Waterlogging in low-lying areas made it difficult for repair crews to access affected sites. Crews worked round the clock to restore power, but the extent of damage slowed progress.
- Transformers tripped due to moisture ingress.
- Overhead lines snapped in several localities.
- Substations were inundated, requiring pumping out water before repairs.
Residents' Grievances
Local residents expressed frustration over the lack of timely communication from authorities. Many took to social media to report outages and demand faster restoration. Some areas faced power cuts lasting over 12 hours, leading to spoiled food and disrupted work-from-home arrangements.
“We have been without power since early morning. No one from the electricity department informed us about the restoration timeline,” said a resident of Model Town.
PSPCL Response
A PSPCL spokesperson stated that all available teams were deployed to restore supply. Priority was given to essential services like hospitals and water treatment plants. The corporation also urged residents to report outages via helpline numbers and avoid tampering with electrical equipment during rain.
“We are working tirelessly to normalize the situation. Most areas will have power restored by evening. We regret the inconvenience caused by the natural calamity,” the spokesperson added.
Weather Forecast
The meteorological department has predicted more rain in the coming days, raising concerns over further disruptions. Authorities have advised residents to stay indoors and take precautions against electrical hazards.
As Ludhiana recovers from the downpour, the focus remains on restoring normalcy and preventing future outages through better infrastructure maintenance.
