Floodwater caused by continuous rain has started entering a power substation in Bandarban. If the situation worsens, the substation may be shut down for safety, which could leave more than 10,000 customers in the district temporarily without electricity.

Water began entering the substation in the hospital area of Bandarban Sadar on 11 July.

According to the Bandarban power department, shutting the substation would cut supply to more than 10,000 customers in Balaghata, Swarna Mandir, Dhalupara, New Gulshan, Chhaingya, Kalaghata, Hansamapara and several nearby areas.

Meanwhile, landslides at various points along the Bandarban-Keranihat road brought trees down on the department's 33 kV transmission line, snapping the wires and disrupting supply against demand.

Incessant rain and hill runoff have also worsened the flood situation in the district. With water over parts of the Bandarban-Keranihat, Bandarban-Rowangchhari, Bandarban-Rangamati and Lama-Alikadam roads, traffic has been badly disrupted.

During the severe flood of 2023, this substation of the Bandarban power office was inundated and at least six transformers, large and small, were damaged, leaving customers in the area without power for about four days.

Amir Hossain, executive engineer of the Bandarban power office, said floodwater had been entering the substation since the morning. If the water crosses the danger level, the station will be shut down, he said.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.