SHILLONG: The immediate aftermath of cyclone Remal’s landfall in Meghalaya on Wednesday was marked by widespread power cuts across the state.
Several districts were plunged into darkness as ferocious winds and incessant rainfall wreaked havoc.
Amid advisories and meteorological warnings, including the closure of schools and colleges, residents sought shelter indoors.
However, as night fell, many areas faced an acute power crisis.
In some areas, residents endured power outages for over 48 hours, bringing daily life to a grinding halt.
The cyclone reportedly affected approximately 5,169 individuals.
In response to the adversity, the dedicated crew of the Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL) rose to the occasion.
Despite the inclement weather, they ventured out, donning safety gear to ensure power supply and quick restoration during outages.
Battling damaged infrastructure, the MeECL staff worked tirelessly to climb poles and remove live wires, ensuring the safety of citizens.
Forsaking their customary eight-hour shifts, many workers remained stationed at their posts, ready to spring into action at a moment’s notice.
One such hero is Rajib Dutta, assistant executive engineer for MeECL posted in Byrnihat, who worked tirelessly for 72 hours at a stretch to light up homes in the area.
Reflecting on the relentless efforts, F Langstieh, SE of Shillong’s distribution division, told a Shillong-based daily that only 15-20 emergency personnel were deployed across three divisions, highlighting a significant manpower deficit.
“The MeECL is working on a war footing. The damages are very extensive, but MeECL is working with large and additional manpower, and we hope that very soon power will be restored in most parts of the state,” Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said on Wednesday.
The challenges extended beyond manpower shortages, with workers often having to clear obstructive tree branches—a task outside the purview of their responsibility.
The lack of manpower also led to delays in restoring power, as workers had to prioritise tasks.
To augment their workforce, the department enlisted aid from external sources, bolstering their ranks to combat the havoc wreaked by the cyclone.
In Tura, the devastation was particularly severe, necessitating an arduous battle against thick vegetation that obscured the root of the problems.
To support their tireless workers, provisions were made for on-site cooking, ensuring sustenance amidst the relentless pursuit of restoration.
Amidst the tumult, a team of 45-50 workers in Tura laboured ceaselessly, equipped with safety apparatus including belts, insulated gloves, and hook sticks.
The collective efforts of the MeECL underscore the linesmen’s resilience and determination to restore normalcy in the wake of cyclone Remal’s devastating impact.
