Over 3K electric poles uprooted

Strong winds and heavy rain from Cyclone Titli disrupted power supply in the coastal areas of Srikakulam since Wednesday night.

Several trees and thousands of electricity poles were flattened in Sompeta, Mandasa, Vajrapukotturu, Kaviti, Kanchili and Ichchapuram mandals.

Staff of the Eastern Power Distribution Company Limited (EPDCL) from East and West Godavari districts tried to reach the cyclone hit area to begin repair the power supply network but were stalled by blocked roads.

Compared to Cyclones Phailin and Hud Hud, the damage caused by Titli was less.

Officials appeared relieved that the damage was confined to Uddanam region and Tekkali division.

The EPDCL officials said that over 3,200 electricity poles were uprooted in Srikakulam district and over seven lakh people of 4,251 villages are now without electricity.

Preliminary estimates put the damage to power equipment at `5.15 crore.

TDP state president and energy minister Kimidi Kala Venkata Rao directed officials to restore the power supply as soon as possible.

Sources said the normal life was thrown out of gear with power cuts and lack of transportation from Srikakulam.

Road Transport Corporation withdrew many services due to the cyclone, which left many commuters stranded.