Power restored in most cyclone-affected A.P. villages; ₹29.69 crore loss estimated

Power distribution infrastructure across eastern Andhra Pradesh, heavily damaged by Cyclone Arnab, is being systematically restored as field personnel from the Andhra Pradesh Eastern Power Distribution Company Limited (APEPDCL) work around the clock on a war footing.Electricity supply has already been successfully restored to 4,765 of the 5,400 cyclone-hit villages, with restoration activities under way in the remaining 635 villages.Power authorities have mobilised massive resources to repair blown-out distribution grids, snapped lines, damaged sub-stations, and uprooted poles. Restoration work in Visakhapatnam district has achieved a 100 per cent completion rate, with full grid recovery also reported in Vizianagaram, Kakinada, and Eluru districts.Across the network, power supply has been restored to 485 of the 551 affected 33/11 kV sub-stations, as well as 464 of the 508 33 kV feeders and 2,134 of the 2,184 11 kV feeders respectively. Of the 28.68 lakh impacted non-agricultural electricity connections, supply has been reinstated for 17.31 lakh consumers. Additionally, 39,461 of the 1.09 lakh affected agricultural power connections have been re-energised.Field crews have repaired 91.45 km of damaged 33 kV lines of the total 171.10 km, 299.52 km of damaged 11 kV lines of 645.91 km, and 225.65 km of damaged LT lines of the 647.08 km. Of the eight damaged power transformers, five have been restored, alongside 225 distribution transformers.To handle the immense workload, officials have deployed 709 specialised emergency response teams comprising 8,317 skilled personnel. Preliminary assessments by APEPDCL estimate the current financial loss to the power infrastructure at ₹29.69 crore.Power officials have strongly advised residents to maintain a safe distance from snapped overhead cables, fallen electricity poles, or damaged electrical equipment. Citizens facing power disruptions or potential electrical hazards should immediately report them through the official toll-free helpline 1912. Published - October 29, 2026 09:15 pm IST