Flying kites causing power outages

Published April 25, 2020, 12:20 PM By Gabriela Baron
https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/04/25/flying-kites-causing-power-outages/

The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) has recorded 47 power outages since the start of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) due to kites getting entangled on power lines.

Meralco said they had to remove 260 kites every day from utility posts and power lines in Metro Manila and neighboring areas.

“We will soon get more details once the numbers have been finalized in terms of the interruptions because of kite-flying ngayong naka-lockdown tayo (during lockdown) because of the ECQ. Medyo nakakabahala na rin po ito (This is getting worrisome),” Meralco spokesperson Joel Zaldarriaga told 24 Oras.

The power outages have affected over 700 customers as well as 13 hospitals in Taguig, Tayabas, Candelaria, Masinag, Lancaster, Santa Maria, and Bacoor.

Zaldarriaga appealed to the public to refrain from flying kites.

“Wag na ho muna tayong magpalipad ng saranggola. Hindi po ito nakakatulong bagkus ay nakakaperwisyo po ito hindi lamang sa amin sa Meralco, higit sa lahat sa taumbayan na umaasa sa patuloy na serbisyo ng Meralco lalo na yung mga vital facilities tulad ng hospital,” he added.

(Please refrain from flying kites. It does not help, it creates trouble not only to us at Meralco, but mainly to the people who rely on Meralco’s continued service, especially vital facilities such as the hospital.)

Meralco said it has started coordinating with local government units for stricter monitoring of kite-flying activities near power lines.