VISAKHAPATNAM: Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka on Saturday telephoned Andhra Pradesh energy minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar to enquire about power restoration works in cyclone-affected areas and offer further assistance.
Ravi Kumar briefed Vikramarka on the ground situation and the progress of electricity restoration. Vikramarka offered to provide any assistance required from Telangana, including additional manpower and materials. He asked the minister to inform him if there was any shortage of personnel or equipment.
Ravi Kumar said more than 1,100 electricity personnel from Telangana were already working in the affected areas, along with 4,400 personnel from AP power distribution companies (Discoms).
Meanwhile, the APEPDCL officials continued restoration works across the affected areas. By 6 pm on Saturday, electricity supply had been restored to 5,453 of the 5,753 affected villages. Work was under way in the remaining 300 villages.
The estimated damage to power infrastructure stood at Rs 38.93 crore, an official said.
APEPDCL appealed to the public to stay away from snapped power lines and fallen electricity poles. It asked consumers to report power interruptions and electrical accidents through the toll-free number 1912.