Sunil Lohan
Heavy rains and gusty winds that lashed the city and surrounding areas on Wednesday evening have caused significant damage to the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM) power infrastructure.
The storm resulted in damage to 461 electric poles,77 transformers,and approximately 1.8 km of power lines, total damage is estimated at Rs. 87.32 lakhs.
The damage was primarily caused by uprooted trees and falling branches crashing onto power lines and transformers. 
While the total financial loss is still being assessed, BESCOM officials have prioritized the restoration of the power supply.
Restoration work is currently underway in full swing,and power has already been restored in several affected areas after repairing the damaged infrastructure,said BESCOM release.
Within the BESCOM GBA(Greater Bangalore Area) limits alone,the damage includes 186 electric poles,38 transformers,and 0.9 km of power lines and the total infrastructure damage in Bengaluru city is estimated at Rs.50.52 lakhs.
BESCOM helpline has registered 12,311 power related complaints in which 11,859 have already been resolved.
BESCOM has requested consumers to use the dedicated WhatsApp helpline numbers to lodge complaints, preferably with photos and location details.
WhatsApp Helpline Numbers:
Bengaluru East: 8277884013,Bengaluru West: 8277884012,Bengaluru North:8277884014,Bengaluru South:8277884011,
Kolar:8277884015,Chikkaballapura:8277884016, Bengaluru Rural:8277884017,Ramanagara:8277884018, Tumakuru:8277884019,Chitradurga:8277884020, Davangere: 8277884021.
Energy Minister K.J.George has instructed BESCOM officials to create awareness among consumers regarding necessary safety measures,as pre-monsoon rains are expected to continue across BESCOM jurisdictions, including Bengaluru city.
During a meeting held with officials at the BESCOM office on Wednesday evening,the Minister directed them to take proactive steps to prevent power disruptions during the rainy season and to ensure the public is well-informed about essential safety precautions.
With pre-monsoon rains expected to continue,BESCOM has requested the public to follow these safety measures.If electric poles lean or tree branches fall on power lines,do not go near them.
During heavy winds and rain,avoid standing under trees where power lines pass or near transformers.
There is a high risk of power lines snapping during storms.BESCOM requests the public to inform the helpline or WhatsApp numbers if any power lines have snapped or if poles are broken.
“BESCOM officials must promptly resolve public complaints regarding power disruptions during the rainy season.
Necessary precautionary measures should be taken ahead of the monsoons to ensure there are no power outages,”Energy Minister K.J.George.
