Hundreds of thousands left without power as Yagi batters Vietnam
VOV.VN - Heavy rain and strong winds caused by Typhoon Yagi have disrupted power supply in several localities, including Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, and Thai Binh, leaving hundreds of thousands of households without power.
According to the Northern Power Corporation, Yagi has caused incidents for 76 medium-voltage power lines, disrupting electricity supply for more than 238,000 customers in Quang Ninh province, one of the two localities expected to be in the eye of the typhoon when it makes landfall, alongside Hai Phong.
It is estimated that around 40% of customers in the province are experiencing power outages. The affected areas are primarily Mong Cai, Hai Ha, Binh Lieu, Tien Yen, Ba Che, Van Don, Co To, Ha Long, and Quang Yen.
The Quang Ninh Power Company has mobilized more than 600 staff members on standby at various locations to be ready to address the issue as soon as Yagi moves further inland and loses its strength.
Meanwhile, in Hai Phong city, Yagi has caused widespread power outages affecting approximately 400,000 local customers.
As of 2p.m. on September 7, nearly all power loads in Quang Ninh province and 80% of the power load in Hai Phong city were without electricity due to incidents of medium-voltage power lines.
In Thai Binh province, the typhoon has also caused multiple medium-voltage grid issues, leading to power outages for around 570,000 customers.
In Thanh Hoa province, heavy rain has resulted in power outages, affecting nearly 12,000 customers.
The power companies have fully prepared their workforce and equipment to promptly address the issue, and restore electricity to customers as soon as the typhoon loses its strength.
During a meeting with the Minister of Industry and Trade on September 6, Nguyen Duc Cuong, chairman of the Board of Directors of National Power System and Market Operator Company (NSMO), assessed that the typhoon could have a significant impact on the power system due to strong winds and heavy rainfall across the northern region.
“It is possible that the 500 kV power line could be split into two, a situation which is similar to some previous cases where major storms caused communication disruptions. Therefore, it is essential to be prepared and have response plans ready for managing a split power system,” said the NSMO leader.
