NGCP starts restoration works in Odette-hit areas

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines said Saturday it began the restoration activities in areas already accessible after Typhoon Odette damaged transmission lines in the Visayas and Mindanao.

In a statement, the NGCP said transmission services were fully restored to the provinces of Capiz, Camiguin, and Misamis Oriental on December 17, and Zamboanga del Sur on December 16.

Meanwhile, restoration is ongoing for transmission facilities serving the entire Samar, Leyte, and Negros islands, Bohol, Cebu, Iloilo, Antique, entire Surigao and Agusan provinces, Compostela Valley, Davao Oriental, Lanao del Norte, and Misamis Occidental.

The grid operator said a total of 65 line gangs or over 500 personnel consisting of engineers and linemen, and two choppers were deployed to expedite restoration works.

Based on its completed assessment in Mindanao, the NGCP found 134 toppled poles in Surigao del Norte.

Likewise, line inspection continues in Visayas, with an initial report of four toppled towers, two toppled poles, and one leaning pole.

The NGCP said it continues its aerial inspection and foot patrol of all areas affected by Odette.

“Aerial inspections were delayed when NGCP choppers were forced to turn around and return to base yesterday, 17 December, by aviation authorities due to unsafe weather conditions,” it said.

“Today's clearer weather enabled NGCP to proceed with aerial inspections and provide a full picture of the nature and extent of damage,” it added.

The Department of Energy on Friday said eight provinces -- Northern Samar, Samar, Eastern Samar, Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte, and Bohol in the Visayas; and Surigao del Norte in Mindanao -- were left totally without electricity after Odette damaged transmission lines. —LBG, GMA News