NGCP says power grid intact

Business Mirror
SUNDAY, 18 DECEMBER 2011 21:47 PAUL ANTHONY A. ISLA


POWER lines concessionaire National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) said on Saturday it remained operational even as Typhoon Sendong battered Mindanao.


Sources said that as of Saturday night, only one 69-kilovolt line was out. The line is maintained and operated by the Caga­yan Electric Power and Light Co. (Cepalco). Most of Cepalco’s line in its franchise area were restored as of Saturday noon.


The NGCP said necessary preparations and precautions have been implemented to minimize the impact of the storm on NGCP operation and facilities.


It said the measures included ensuring the availability of hardware and supplies needed for the repair of damages to facilities, as well as the positioning of line crews in strategic areas to facilitate immediate restoration work.


As of Saturday morning, NGCP said, the major power transmission lines in Mindanao were found not to have been affected.


It said there were two “momentary” faults, but that these were immediately restored.


The NGCP said it remained in close communication with distribution utilities in Cagayan de Oro City and Bislig City to expedite and assist in restoration efforts.


It said aerial patrol and inspection of lines in the affected areas went in full swing as soon as the weather allowed.


Meanwhile, Sen. Loren Legarda on Sunday renewed her call for heightened flood-disaster prevention and management in all communities all over the country as she expressed alarm over Sendong’s death toll.


“We deeply commiserate with the victims of Typhoon Sendong. The fact that it is already Christmas next week makes it harder to witness the miserable situation—lives taken away and families displaced by ravaging flashfloods,” Legarda said.


“The devastating flashfloods said to be the worst in the history of Cagayan de Oro City and Iligan City reveal the increasing severity of typhoons that we must be prepared for. The lack of capacity of communities to be prepared for worst-case scenarios must be urgently addressed,” she said, noting the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council statement that many residents refused to leave their homes.


Legarda alerted local government units to improve flood- mitigation measures amid worsening extreme weather events.


“LGUs affected by Typhoon Sendong should immediately assess the causes and effects of the massive flooding that occurred and make recommendations to improve flood mitigation and management before another typhoon hits their area,” she explained.


Meanwhile, Vice President Jejomar Binay on Sunday distributed relief goods to victims of flash floods caused by Typhoon Sendong in Cagayan de Oro City.


Binay flew to Cagayan de Oro early Sunday morning and distributed 2,880 bags of relief goods to Kagay-anons staying at the evacuation centers at the Macasandig City Central Elementary School and West City Elementary School.


The Vice President pledged to give 10,000 relief goods in Cagayan de Oro and 5,000 in Iligan City. He also directed the Office of the Vice President to hold relief operations in Iligan.


He also went to funeral homes where many of the victims were taken, and extended cash assistance and his condolences to families that lost their loved ones in the flood.


Binay discussed with local officials of CDO the possible relocation of residents living along rivers and coastal areas.


(Paul Anthony A. Isla)