Addu City blackout lasts almost 24-hours

Electricity has been restored to the five interconnected islands of Addu City last night, almost 24-hours after damage to high-voltage cables caused a day-long blackout in the southernmost atoll.

Addu City Mayor Abdulla Sodiq told Sun Online that he has urged citizens to seek damages and compensation – amounting to “millions of rufiyaa” – from the Southern Utilities Company, which provides electricity to the five islands through a centralised power grid.

Southern Utilities Company Chairman Ahmed Zareer explained that the cables had been replaced by late afternoon yesterday. Although the blackout started at around 6.45pm on Monday, electricity had come back on sporadically for short periods.

Local daily Haveeru meanwhile reported yesterday that the cries of children unable to sleep rang out through the islands while business owners feared an outbreak of burglary and looting. Schools were closed on Monday and many people complained they were unable to even use the shower.

A crowd of protesters reportedly gathered outside the Utility Company office in Maradhoo-Feydhoo, throwing stones and demanding the resignation of its board of directors.

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