A severe dust storm accompanied by heavy rain swept through Amritsar on Tuesday evening, causing widespread disruption to power supply in both rural and urban areas. The storm, which lasted for several hours, uprooted trees, damaged electricity poles, and snapped power lines, leaving many residents without electricity for extended periods.
Impact on Power Infrastructure
The strong winds and rain led to extensive damage to the power infrastructure across the district. According to officials from the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), multiple feeders and transformers were affected, particularly in the outskirts and rural belts. Teams were deployed to restore power, but the extent of the damage made the process challenging.
Areas Affected
Several localities in Amritsar city, including Majitha Road, Batala Road, and parts of the walled city, experienced outages. In rural areas, villages such as Chheharta, Verka, and Attari reported prolonged power cuts. The disruption impacted daily activities, with residents relying on inverters and generators for basic needs.
Response and Restoration Efforts
PSPCL officials stated that emergency repair work began immediately after the storm subsided. Over 50 teams were deployed to clear debris and replace damaged equipment. By Wednesday morning, power supply had been restored to most areas, though some rural pockets remained without electricity for a longer duration due to the severity of the damage.
Weather Warning and Advisory
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had earlier issued a warning for thunderstorms and gusty winds in the region. Residents were advised to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel during the storm. The unexpected severity of the weather caught many off guard, leading to traffic disruptions and minor accidents.
Local authorities have urged citizens to report any fallen wires or damaged poles to the helpline numbers. The district administration is also assessing the damage to property and crops, as the storm may have impacted agricultural fields in the surrounding areas.
This incident highlights the vulnerability of the power grid to extreme weather events, which are becoming more frequent due to climate change. Experts call for better preparedness and investment in resilient infrastructure to minimize future disruptions.
