Power Outage in Gorkha After Landslide Topples Transmission Pole
Gorkha, Shrawan 12 – Enormous power outage has disrupted daily lives in Gorkha district today after a landslide at the route of a high-voltage transmission line. The accident occurred at the location of Gorkha Municipality-6 near the Karagar (prison) area where a landslide toppled a 33kV transmission pole.
The lost line is part of the power supply line carrying energy from Ambukhaireni to Gorkha, which is a vital lifeline for residential, commercial, and institution consumers in the district.
What Happened?
The landslide was during the early morning after rain overnight. When the ground became unstable and slumped down the hill, it dug into the ground on which the transmission pole was situated, causing the pole to collapse eventually and fall onto the ground, disconnecting electricity to large parts of the district.
People who witnessed the accident described seeing sparks flying from the cables and an explosion a few seconds after the pole collapsed. No injury has been reported.
Restoration Process Underway
A technical team of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) was dispatched to the site. Restoration has already started and has been confirmed by officials although, it can take time because of:
- Unstable ground levels at the site
- Need for replacement of pole structure in its entirety
- Risk of further landslips due to ongoing rain
- Local authorities and NEA staff are jointly working towards restoring power in a speedy and safe manner.
Affected Areas and Public Impact
The blackout has hit most of Gorkha Bazaar, as well as the surrounding rural municipalities dependent on the same 33kV power transmission line. Stores have been shut down temporarily, online classes and services are disrupted, and people are resorting to alternative means such as inverters or generators.
Locals Sanjay Rana said, “We are powerless since morning. Batteries of phones are drained, and even the water supply has been shut down because electric motors are defective.”
Warning of More Landslides
This is the newest addition to a growing list of monsoon-related disturbances in the region. The government issued a warning about more risks of landslides on hill slopes since the ground is water-logged and there are heavy rains.
Residents are requested to:
Not approach electric poles or exposed wires
Not pass through unstable sections
Report any other accidents to the police or NEA
In the meantime, cooperation and understanding of the people will be needed as Gorkha is dealing with this sudden blackout. The authorities call for the forbearance and sagacity of the people while waiting for restoration.
Check News Gorkha for power restoration and weather warnings.
