COX’S BAZAR, Aug 17 (V7N) — A large rain tree fell on a 33kV power transmission line amid heavy rain in Ukhiya , causing extensive damage and disrupting electricity supply across large parts of Ukhiya and Teknaf upazilas.
The incident occurred at around 9:30am on Sunday (Aug 16) beside the road near the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) checkpoint in Marichya, Ukhiya .
Local residents said heavy rain had been falling in the area since the morning when the large rain tree suddenly fell onto the power line. The impact damaged a box pole consisting of four interconnected poles, along with several sections of the 33kV main line.
Electricity supply was immediately suspended in the affected area as a safety measure. Teams from Cox’s Bazar Palli Bidyut Samity subsequently inspected the damage and began repair work.
Kaiser Nur, deputy general manager of the Ukhiya office of Cox’s Bazar Palli Bidyut Samity, said several sections of the 33kV main line had been damaged.
“Electricity supply has remained suspended across Ukhiya and Teknaf since the incident. Several lines in the Marine Drive and Jaliapalong areas have also been affected,” he said.
He said electricity workers were working at the site with the necessary equipment and manpower to repair the damaged poles and lines. Depending on the extent of the damage and the complexity of the repair work, it could take approximately six to seven hours to fully restore power, he added.
Meanwhile, members of the Ukhiya Fire Service were working to remove the large tree from the power line. The tree is being removed carefully to ensure the safety of the road and electrical infrastructure before the power lines are restored.
Ukhiya Fire Service Station Officer Dollar Tripura said firefighters were assisting with the safe removal of the tree in coordination with the electricity department.
He said additional precautions were being taken because of the damaged power lines. Firefighters began cutting and removing the tree only after electricity department workers disconnected and secured the affected lines.
The sudden power outage has caused widespread inconvenience to residents and businesses in Ukhiya and Teknaf. According to relevant sources, more than three lakh customers are served by the rural electricity network in the two upazilas.
The outage has disrupted household activities as well as shops, businesses, offices, educational institutions and other essential services. Prolonged power cuts have also affected mobile phone charging, internet services and other electricity-dependent activities.
Local residents said incidents of trees falling on power lines are common in different parts of Ukhiya and Teknaf during the monsoon, often causing prolonged outages. This time, the impact has been particularly extensive because the tree fell on an important 33kV main line serving a large area.
Residents have urged the authorities to complete the repairs as quickly as possible and restore electricity supplies.
Officials said repairs to the damaged box pole, other poles and sections of the 33kV main line were underway. At the same time, efforts were being made to remove the fallen tree from the road and restore normal traffic movement.
The authorities said power could be restored within six to seven hours if weather conditions remain favourable and no major complications arise. However, the exact restoration time may vary depending on the condition of the damaged lines, the tree removal process and the progress of repair work.
END/MSI/SMA/
