Kerala Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph on Monday said coordinated efforts by the State government, district administration, local bodies, government departments, volunteers and local residents have ensured an effective response to the monsoon disaster, with 92% of damaged electricity connections restored across the State.

Addressing a press conference at his residence in Irrity, the Minister said 4,80,614 electricity connections were disrupted due to the heavy rains. Of these 92% have been restored, leaving 35,118 connections yet to be reconnected.

He said 2,892 transformers were damaged during the rains. Following the receding of floodwater, 2,600 transformers have been repaired and re-energised, while restoration of 1,872 damaged electric poles is progressing on a war footing.

According to the Minister, the worst damage to the power sector occurred in Pathanamthitta district, followed by Kannur, particularly in Cherupuzha region under the Sreekandapuram electrical circle and the hilly areas of the Iritty circles. Restoration work in these areas is progressing rapidly.

Search on for missing

Mr. Joseph also said search operations are continuing intensively for those reported missing in Kannur following the rain-related incidents.

On the water storage situation, the Minister said reservoirs of hydroelectric projects across the State are currently at 42.5% capacity. Water storage in the Idukki reservoir has increased from 30% to 40% compared to 73% during the same period the last year.

The Minister said he has requested Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan to revise the norms for assessing damage to houses affected by landslides and floods.

He said houses at places such as Karikkottakkary, where landslips behind buildings have caused severe structural damage similar to the 2018 floods, should be classified as fully damaged for compensation purposes.

He also urged the government to expedite the reconstruction of damaged bridges and warned that landslips depositing soil in rivers and obstructing water flow had become a serious concern.