08 Mar 2021 | 03:06 PM UTC
Sri Lanka: Widespread power outage affecting multiple areas late March 8
Widespread power outage affecting multiple areas in Sri Lanka late March 8; disruptions concentrated in Northern Province.
Event
A significant power outage is affecting multiple areas in Sri Lanka as of late March 8. Authorities say the outage is due to a technical failure at the Anuradhapura New Grid Substation. Power outages have been mostly concentrated in Northern Province, though disruptions have also been reported in other areas of the country. The timeline for the resumption of services in impacted areas was not immediately clear.
Major business and transport disruptions are likely for the duration of the outage. Businesses without backup generators may be forced to suspend operations. Traffic lights may not function, resulting in traffic disruptions. The power outage may also result in brief municipal water outages.
Advice
Limit unnecessary movements in affected areas until authorities restore power. Those who must travel and encounter nonoperational traffic lights should treat them as a four-way stop. Ensure generators have a sufficient fuel supply in case the outage becomes protracted. Restrict cellular phone use to emergencies if operating in an area without power. Conserve water.
