With the opening of several roads and the ability to use helicopters, it was possible to confirm that Storm Leslie caused very significant damage to the electricity distribution grid.
There are serious concerns in the district of Coimbra, in particular at locations supplied by Louriçal and Soure substations, where damaged overhead poles mean several high and medium voltage lines remain down.
Given the scale of the damage, it is not yet possible to say when the repairs will be completed. Nevertheless, the repair of lines and provision of auxiliary means of power, such as emergency generators (with 50 installed to date), have resulted in the progressive reduction of power outages. At this point, about 100,000 homes are without power. EDP Distribuição has kept more than 500 engineers in the field and was quick to move teams from other parts of the country.
As always, EDP Distribuição is making every effort to restore normal service as quickly as possible. The company is in close contact with all bodies involved in these situations, including civil protection agencies and local authorities.
NOTES:
- EDP Distribuição provided a fault line (800506506), as well as a mobile app for reporting faults.
- When in the presence of broken or damaged power lines, the public is requested to contact the fault line indicated above and to adopt safe behavior by staying clear and not touching any equipment.
