Typhoon Mangkhut hits power supply for 40,000 homes in Hong Kong

Damages were ‘more severe than expected’.

Typhoon Mangkhut affected CLP Power Hong Kong’s 400kV and 132kV overhead lines systems, interrupting the power supply to 40,000 homes in New Territories North, Yuen Long, and Sai Kung, CLP Group revealed.

As the typhoon landed on Hong Kong, officials raised the storm alert to the highest level at Hurricane Signal No. 10.

“As the sheer size of the storm was so powerful, it hit and damaged power supply facilities, prompting a lot of customer calls to the CLP Customer Services Hotline all at the same period of time,” the firm said in a statement.

“Prior to the storm, we all at CLP Power were geared up and extra staff were deployed to ensure reliable supply,” said CLP Power managing director TK Chiang. “Due to the large circumfluence of the typhoon and its destructiveness, its impacts on power supply facilities and customer services have been more severe than expected.”

To expedite power supply restoration, repairs works will start as soon as it is safe and circumstances allow and such works will be carried out round the clock.

Photo by AFP