Karnataka sends 500 power workers to help Andhra Pradesh restore electricity
The deployment includes specialised machinery to repair infrastructure damaged by Cyclone Arnab, which uprooted more than 15,000 electricity poles.
Karnataka has deployed 500 trained power utility workers and specialised equipment to Andhra Pradesh to assist in restoring electricity infrastructure damaged by Cyclone Arnab, according to reports by The Hindu, The Pioneer and ThePrint.
Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said on Monday, November 2, that the assistance follows a request from Andhra Pradesh. He confirmed he had spoken to his Andhra Pradesh counterpart, N Chandrababu Naidu, to assure him of support.
The deployment includes 15 Palfinger trucks featuring cranes and earth augers, alongside 25 drilling machines mounted on tractors. The workers were mobilised on an emergency basis and left for Andhra Pradesh on Monday afternoon.
Shivakumar noted that more than 15,000 electricity poles were uprooted by the cyclone, making the restoration of power infrastructure critical. Energy Minister K J George is monitoring the situation as the state's Energy Department coordinates the aid.
To ensure effective deployment, the linemen have been organised into teams of 10, each led by a junior or assistant engineer. Each electricity supply company (ESCOM) has also appointed a contact officer to liaise with Andhra Pradesh officials.
The Chief Minister stated that Karnataka will continue to assess the impact of the approaching Cyclone Murasu over the next two days while providing all possible assistance.