Overall power supply situation remained stable in the city and system stability was ensured despite unprecedented and heavy rains on Monday. Various areas of Karachi were submerged as the rains continued uninterrupted throughout the day. While many areas of the city experienced power outage, especially areas of Jail Chowrangi, Cifton, Defence, Gulshan, Nazimabad, Gizri, PNT Colony, Numaish, Punjab Chowrangi Korangi, Landhi and Garden, these were re-energized in a timely manner despite challenging ground conditions. KE teams'' presence has been felt across the city as they remained engaged in restoring the remaining areas as soon as possible while adhering to necessary safety protocols in view of the standing water.

Power supply to strategic installations, including key hospitals and KWSB pumping stations were maintained and also restored on priority where required. The Sindh Transmission and Dispatch Company (STDC) EHT line also tripped during the early hours of the day and the restoration work is still under way. According to a KE spokesperson, "Rapid response teams and contact center staff remained fully operational round-the-clock while the power utility also registered customer queries via 8119 SMS platform and through KE''s Facebook and twitter pages. The resilience of the system during this tough spell is yet another testament of consistent investment and upgrades made by KE in Karachi''s power infrastructure over the years."

K-Electric executed its emergency response plan and its teams remained active round-the-clock. Moreover, KE continues to monitor the situation and its teams remain on high alert in view of the prediction of more rains over the next two days. KE also urges the public to stay away from broken wires, refrain from taking shelter under transformers or leaning against poles during rainy and windy weather and also avoid using illegal means (kundas) to abstract power.-PR

Copyright Business Recorder, 2015