Capital plunges into darkness post cyclonic storm

Our correspondent

Itanagar, May 12: A cyclonic storm accompanied by hail and heavy rain on Friday lashed Nirjuli and Doimukh areas, causing massive damages to several dwellings and uprooting many trees.

The cyclonic wind also snapped the overhead power lines thereby disrupting electricity supply to almost all places in the twin capital city of Itanagar and Naharlagun, plunging the capital region into darkness.

A power department official said due to the heavy rainfall there has been fault in the 132 KV Lekhi-Chimpu line, which has affected power supply to Itanagar township.

The alternative 33KV feeder line from Lekhi to Panchali also went out of order. The line could not be restored. Inconvenience caused (to consumers) is regretted, the official said, adding that power line restoration would take time.

The capital's thoroughfare, NH-415, was also blocked in a few locations by the uprooted trees but were removed immediately by the locals.

However, no loss of life has been reported from any part of the region.