Nghe An: 27 power lines damaged by storm.

(Baonghean.vn) -Due to the impact of storms and heavy rain, as of 11:00 AM on September 15th, 27 power lines were affected in areas such as Vinh City, Cua Lo Town, Nam Dan, Nghi Loc, Hung Nguyen, and Hoang Mai Town.

Accordingly, approximately 150,000 customers in these areas are being affected and experiencing power outages.

In Vinh City, some areas such as Ha Huy Tap ward experienced power outages; the City Power Company is deploying personnel to address the problem, while other power companies are waiting for the wind to subside before conducting inspections and repairs. In Thanh Chuong, the power company proactively cut off power to one power line to cut down trees that posed a risk of falling onto the power lines.

Mr. Nguyen Van Binh, Head of the Dispatching Department of Nghe An Power Company, said: Basically, the company does not proactively cut off power; only when a storm hits and a power line is damaged will it be isolated and not reconnected (except for the underground cable line managed by Vinh Power Company).

"In the event of a power outage, all units will concentrate their resources on handling the incident and temporarily restoring power supply to loads in the area, prioritizing particularly critical loads. Priority will be given to flood control pumping stations, especially key pumping stations, water treatment plants serving domestic use, the Provincial Party Committee, the People's Committee, the Radio and Television Station, hospitals, etc., as soon as possible," Mr. Binh added.

Vinh City Power Company trims trees and clears the safety corridor for the power grid in Hung Phuc ward during the storm. Photo: Viet Phuong

Regarding the power sector's storm prevention measures, Mr. Nguyen Xuan Loi, Deputy Director of Nghe An Power Company, told a reporter from Nghe An Newspaper: "In the past few days, we have mobilized the maximum number of power sector employees to focus on storm prevention. Power companies have been clearing vegetation along power line corridors and reinforcing vulnerable areas to minimize damage caused by rain and storms. In particular, we require that in all situations, the safety of people must be ensured."

For power lines and substations at risk of flooding, where vehicles, boats, people, and livestock pass through, or where power lines cross rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes, etc., power companies are required to have warning plans or completely cut off power to ensure absolute safety for people, vehicles, and equipment. After storms, all medium and low voltage power lines must be thoroughly inspected and checked; power should only be restored when safety is ensured. During the handling of incidents, absolute safety for people must be ensured, and safety supervisors must be assigned to supervise the work units throughout the process.

Nghe An Power Company is clearing the corridor to ensure the safety of the power grid during the rainy and stormy season.

When working in river or stream areas, crossing rivers or streams, or working near riverbanks, streams, or lakes, specific safety measures to prevent drowning must be taken. When working in areas with a risk of falling into the water, workers are required to wear life jackets and carry ropes tied to sturdy objects on the bank to prevent falling.

In response to Typhoon No. 10, Nghe An Power Company organized on-call teams to promptly handle any situations, ensuring electricity supply and absolute safety for its personnel, equipment, facilities, and the public; especially ensuring electricity supply to drainage pumping stations to combat flooding in the locality.

Viet Phuong