Post thunderstorm power, water shortage hit Delhi

Residents of the capital Saturday continued to face power cuts and running water shortage a day after the city was hit by a sudden thunderstorm which claimed nine lives and caused massive destruction in many areas.

Though power in many areas were partially restored within hours after the thunderstorm passed, people continued to face load-shedding and water shortage.

"With no water and electricity since yesterday (Friday), I have not taken a bath today (Saturday), I am in no mood for doing anything. I did not even cook food, all the utensils are dirty. I had to purchase three bottles of water that cost me Rs.180. My neighbour too faced the same problems," Amiya Kumar, a professional living in south Delhi, told IANS.

"I somehow managed to get through the day as it was a Saturday and my weekend off. I hope the situation improves tomorrow (Sunday), I don't want to spend another day like this," he added.

A sudden fierce squall and heavy rain Friday evening disrupted road, rail and air traffic as well as Delhi Metro services in the capital.

The thunderstorm accompanied by heavy showers left in its wake broken tree branches, overturned cars, traffic jams and power outages.

Samudra Das Gupta from Mayur Vihar Phase 1 had to skip an important meeting due to the power cut and water shortage.

She said that despite her repeated calls to the Delhi power department, she and other families in her colony were not provided any kind of power backup.

"This raises serious questions about the preparedness of civic agencies in the capital in dealing with such emergency situations created by nature," Das Gupta told IANS.

Officials from the power department have assured that power will be "completely restored" by Sunday or Monday.

"Three lines supplying electricity to north Delhi and east Delhi were shut after branches of trees and electrical poles fell on wires," Rishi Raj, from the power department, told IANS.

He said till power is restored in the areas, an alternative emergency power system is being used to supply electricity.

"Though we are trying our best to remedy the problems in the affected lines, people can expect complete power restoration only by Sunday or Monday," Raj said.

--Indo-Asian News Service

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