A gale that lasted for about 15 minutes caused extensive damage to a transformer, uprooted 30 electric poles in three interior villages disrupting power supply since Saturday afternoon. No loss of human lives was reported as the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation immediately tripped the supply.
The power supply to Pudhur, Kadambur, Srinivasapuram and part of Poolampadi, all in Veppanthattai block in the foot of Pachamalai hills, was disrupted.
It could take at least a couple of days for restoration of power supply to the villages. The impact of the gale was so severe that a 200 kv capacity transformer on the Kadambur – Kallapatti Road was twisted, instantly disrupting power supply to the villages. Scores of trees including a seasoned tamarind tree on the premises of the Government higher secondary school in Poolampadi were uprooted.
“It was an instant damage and I could not believe what happened in the area,” said Madhiazhagan, an employee of Tangedco who was witnessing the damage in Poolampadi. “I could not even protect my computer from the sharp showers and strong winds,” he added.
At least seven high tension (HT) and 23 low tension (LT) electric poles were uprooted. There was no loss of life in the village.
The asbestos roof at a poultry farm in Kadambur village was extensively damaged. Officials of Tangedco visited the villages and conducted a survey of the damage.
A large number of Tangedco linemen and employees from Krishnapuram and Kaikalathur have been drafted for restoration of the power supply to the affected villages, sources said.
N. Kumaran, Executive Officer, Poolampadi Town Panchayat, said that drinking water supply was affected on Sunday but would be resumed today.
