02 May 2024 | 01:57 AM UTC
Papua New Guinea: Power outages affecting various areas, including Lae and Madang cities, as of May 2
Power outages affecting various areas like Lae and Madang, Papua New Guinea, as of May 2. Commercial disruptions likely.
PNG Power announced that a grid fault is causing power outages in multiple provinces as of May 2. The disruptions began around 20:51 May 1 and are affecting Morobe Province's Erap, Lae, and Gusap areas, Goroka in Eastern Highlands Province, Madang city in Madang Province, and areas between Jiwaka Province's Kudjip and Eastern Highlands Province's Yonki. Officials did not clarify when the supply would normalize.
Commercial disruptions are likely, especially in Lae and Madang; companies without backup generators may suspend operations. Blackouts could also cause certain essential facilities, such as ATMs and fueling stations, to stop functioning temporarily. The outages could also impact mobile voice and data services. Traffic disruptions are possible due to malfunctioning traffic signals.
Charge mobile and essential electrical devices when possible and ensure backup batteries are available. Plan for ground transport delays due to possible malfunctioning or nonfunctional traffic lights in affected areas. Exercise caution when driving in recently impacted areas. Park vehicles in secure areas. Confirm business appointments. Verify that security systems are working. Ensure that generators are functional and refuel devices where necessary.
