Power restored in seven fire-stricken communities, maybe 2 more today

The Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) has restored power supply to seven communities in the fire-stricken areas of Limassol, while generators may be added for two other communities, Deputy Press Officer Dimitris Nathanael said.

He also said that 58 poles have been replaced and efforts are underway to have a full picture of the damage, which he said is almost three times greater than the fire in Arakapas in July 2021.

According to Nathanael, power has been restored to the centres of the communities of Vasa, Vouni, Malia, Arsos, Lofou, Agios Therapon and Pano Kyvides, noting, however, that the wider area of the communities is off the grid and has no electricity.

He added that two more generators are likely to be added for two other communities and that the suitability of this equipment is currently being examined.

Nathanael also said that the EAC is going ahead with the wider local repair of the network, having reached the communities of Siliko, Alassa, Pachna, Souni, Monagri and Vasa Koilaniou.

“So some people may see that they have electricity today, a few but some in these areas, as we move forward and repair the network,” he noted.

“We have been told that things seem to be better today, there are no active fronts, only a few small flare-ups, which means that we may be given access to areas where we were not allowed to do anything until yesterday,” he added

He also said that 58 burnt poles have been replaced, but counting is continuing to get a full picture of the damage, which he said is almost three times greater than the fire in Arakapas in July 2021.

He also commented that additional equipment and excavators would arrive in the area to help open the pits and install the posts, with 150 people working from their crews in all areas and communities to repair the main part of the network.

Asked if substations or other units in the area had been affected by the fires, Nathanael said that so far the restoration work had mainly concerned burnt poles, suspended transformers and related equipment, adding that now that they have access to the affected areas, the extent of the damage would be clearer.

(Source: CNA)