Storm uproots trees, electricity poles in Patiala

Ravneet Singh

Tribune News Service

Patiala, June 11

Trees, electricity poles and walls of buildings were damaged by strong winds in Patiala and adjoining areas late yesterday evening. Many trees and electricity poles were uprooted, which left many parts of the city without electricity throughout night. Officials of the PSPCL said their office incurred a loss of over Rs3 crore in Patiala circle alone as over 2,100 to 2,200 electricity poles were damaged by strong winds.

Surinder Mohan Chopra, SE, PSPCL (South), said, “We are still restoring electricity in various areas of the city. Densely populated areas are being catered to at the earliest.”

Trees and electricity poles were damaged on Dakala Road, Sullar Road, and near Passé Road late yesterday evening. The adjoining areas witnessed power outage for long hours. Trees and electricity poles were uprooted at the NIS leaving the whole area without power for over 24 hours.

A car was also damaged in the city though no one was hurt as a tree fell on it. Another house was damaged by a tree at Sanauri Adda. The boundary wall of the Miranpur Constituent College, Punjabi University, also collapsed in the storm, said officials.

Earlier, the Meteorological Department had issued a warning of strong 40 kmph to 50 kmph winds and rain yesterday evening. Officials said the doppler weather radar on the Punjabi University campus was nonfunctional for a couple of hours yesterday afternoon for yearly maintenance.

The Meteorological Department has forecasted rainfall on June 11 to 14, along with thunder, lightning and 40 kmph to 50 kmph winds in Patiala, SAS Nagar, Chandigarh, Rupnagar, Hoshiarpur and other areas.