Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala is reeling under the impact of heavy monsoon rains and strong winds that have not only disrupted daily life but have also inflicted a staggering financial blow on the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB). According to preliminary estimates, the loss to the power distribution infrastructure stands at an alarming ₹120.81 crore. The persistent bad weather has led to the collapse of thousands of electric poles and widespread damage to power lines across the state.
KSEB officials report that 2,190 high-tension poles and 16,366 low-tension poles have been damaged. High-tension lines have suffered breakdowns at 2,345 sites, while low-tension lines were hit in 45,459 locations. The resulting power outages affected over 57 lakh consumers. Thanks to the tireless work of KSEB staff, electricity has been restored to approximately 54.5 lakh homes and establishments, though many areas remain in the dark.
With the India Meteorological Department warning of more intense rainfall and strong winds in the days ahead, authorities are urging residents to remain extremely cautious. The risk of trees falling on power lines during the night is particularly high, and such incidents can cause electric wires to snap and fall into roads and water bodies, posing deadly threats.
People who head out early in the morning for tasks such as newspaper delivery or rubber tapping are especially at risk. Officials have stressed that if anyone notices a fallen or broken electric wire, they must not go near it under any circumstances. The public is asked to immediately inform the nearest KSEB office or contact the emergency number 9496 01 01 01 for assistance.
The danger becomes even greater if a broken line falls into a waterlogged area. Touching the water in such cases could lead to electrocution. If someone does suffer an electric shock, they should not be touched directly. Instead, the victim should be separated from the wire using a dry bamboo stick or wooden object, given basic first aid, and rushed to the nearest hospital without delay.
Despite the severe challenges brought on by the natural disaster, KSEB teams are working tirelessly in a war-like mode. In some areas, especially those marked for evacuation, officials have had to switch off high-tension lines and transformers as a precautionary measure to ensure public safety. While nature continues to test the resilience of the state, the coordinated efforts of KSEB and public vigilance remain key to weathering this crisis.