Bhatkal: A 5MVA transformer located in Heble of the Bhatkal taluk was damaged after one hour of pre-monsoon rain accompanied by lightning and strong winds, which occurred between 6:30 pm and 7:30 pm on Tuesday.

During the rain, Bhatkal was plunged into darkness, and power was restored around 2:00 am in many parts of the taluk. However, a series of power outages and intermittent electricity supply continued until Wednesday morning. It was later learned that the transformer in the Heble electricity grid had been damaged.

HESCOM Assistant Engineer Manjunath stated that due to the damage to the 5MVA transformer, electricity service will be affected in half of Bhatkal on Wednesday and Thursday. However, a new transformer is expected to be installed by Friday morning, restoring electricity service to the entire Bhatkal.

Manjunath mentioned that due to the breakdown of such a powerful transformer, areas including Hanifabad, Kargedde, Nawayat Colony, DP Colony, Nagappa Naik Road, Sagar Road, Kadvinkatta, Usman Nagar, Muttali, Purvarga, Sarpankatta, Bhatkal Market, VT Road, Sonarkeri, Tengangundi Cross, and Hondatkeri will experience electricity supply disruptions until Friday, May 24. He requested all consumers to cooperate.

Manjunath also said that an additional transformer from HESCOM, kept at Karwar, will reach Bhatkal on Thursday morning. It may take until late at night to install the transformer, so power service is expected to be restored in the affected areas by Friday morning.

Currently, there is no complete power shutdown in the affected areas; electricity is being alternately shut down every hour.