The Mangalore Electricity Supply Company (Mescom) has reported a loss of Rs 33.4 crore from heavy rains and gusty winds between April and August 1. The severe weather has uprooted 21,702 electricity poles across Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Chikkamagaluru, and Shivmogga districts, with the highest damage in Dakshina Kannada and Chikkamagaluru.
Mescom properties have suffered significant losses: Rs 10.1 crore in Dakshina Kannada, Rs 9.7 crore in Chikkamagaluru, Rs 8.5 crore in Udupi, and Rs 5.1 crore in Shivamogga. Restoration efforts are underway, with Mescom officials replacing damaged poles and wires. In Dakshina Kannada alone, 6,369 poles were damaged, followed by 5,597 in Chikkamagaluru, 4,960 in Shivamogga, and 4,776 in Udupi. Out of the 21,702 damaged poles, 21,245 have been replaced.
Additionally, 316 transformers have been damaged within Mescom’s jurisdiction: 75 in Dakshina Kannada, 22 in Udupi, 212 in Shivamogga, and seven in Chikkamagaluru. All damaged transformers have been replaced. The company also reported 614.3 km of damaged power lines, with 318.2 km in Dakshina Kannada, 111.9 km in Chikkamagaluru, and 97.8 km in Shivamogga.
Mescom officials and staff are working tirelessly, despite challenging weather conditions, to restore power supply. They have appealed for customer cooperation during the ongoing repair works, which are still in progress in several areas.