LAHORE:Strong wind and heavy rain disrupted electricity supply across the Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) region on Thursday evening, knocking down over 20 percent or close to 400 feeders.
Soon after the rain lashed the city, the power utility suspended power supply to almost entire grid with a view to exercise maximum precautionary measure. The storm, according to the spokesperson of Lesco, caused 294 feeders to trip, affecting power in multiple areas under Lesco’s network. She claimed the outages were caused by weather, not by any generation shortfall.
The eastern circle was among the worst hit. A tree fell on a 132iv transmission line in the Shalamar area, cutting supply to several grid stations. In Township, an 11kv line was also damaged after a tree fell on it during the storm. Similar incidents have also been reported from rural areas, especially from Kasur and Okara circles.
Field teams reported that falling trees and branches were the main reason for feeder tripping, along with water accumulation near distribution poles. Despite the widespread tripping, Lesco confirmed that electricity demand and supply remain balanced. There is no shortfall in the system.
The spokesperson said the company’s entire field staff has been placed on high alert. Restoration work will begin immediately once the rain stops and it is safe for teams to operate. Priority will be given to 132 kV and 11 kV lines that feed hospitals, water pumping stations, and other critical installations.
Lesco management has appealed to the consumers for cooperation during the bad weather. Citizens are advised to report any outage to their local complaint office or call the helpline at 118.
The spokesperson requested that consumers should wait for technical staff to arrive and not attempt to restore supply themselves. In view of safety risks, Lesco also urged the public to keep children and pets away from electricity poles, transformers, and other installations during rain. Waterlogged streets and broken wires can pose serious hazards. The company said teams are monitoring the situation and will restore all affected feeders in phases as conditions improve.
Strong winds followed by rainfall in different parts of City turned the weather pleasant and reduced the heat.Earlier,the day started with sweltering hot weather, but clouds appeared in the afternoon.Met officials predicted more rainfall in the next 24 hours.
Rain was reported in Johar Town, Kot Lakhpat, Township, Ferozepur Road and Model Town after windstorm in several areas, including Nishtar Park Sports Complex and nearby localities.The temperature dropped to 36°C, with a minimum expected around 26°C.
According to Wasa Lahore, rainfall was recorded on Jail Road 4.25 mm, Airport 40.8 mm, Gulberg Head Office 29.6 mm, Lakshmi Chowk 0.4 mm, Upper Mall 22 mm, Mughalpura 12.2 mm, Tajpura 27.2 mm, Nishtar Town 8.6 mm, Chowk Nakhuda 4mm, Pani Wala Talab 2.4mm, Farrukhabad 1.4mm, Gulshan Ravi 5mm, Samanabad 2.8mm, Johar Town 6.2mm, Defence Road 4.8mm, and Saggian 2.2mm. The highest rainfall was recorded at the airport.
