Malawi, Zambia: Possible border disruptions during planned power outage in Mchinji, Oct. 6

The Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM), Malawi's publicly owned electricity provider, has warned of a planned power interruption in the town of Mchinji and its surrounding area on Oct. 6. The nearby border crossing with Zambia is set to be affected. The interruption is to perform emergency maintenance. Authorities have advised residents to switch off electric appliances as the power supply could be restored earlier than stated. Power will be cut between 07:00 and 17:00.

Disruptions to cross-border transport and local traffic are possible on Oct. 6. Possible transport and administrative delays could extend for hours following the power interruption as authorities work through the likely backlog. Temporary commercial and communications disruptions are likely to occur during the blackout; cellular and mobile services could be affected. Traffic disruptions and longer driving times are likely during these periods due to malfunctioning traffic signals. Trains may also experience delays if outages impact signaling devices or overhead wires. Power outages could also result in the temporary unavailability of essential services such as ATMs and filling stations. There is an increased security threat during power outages. Blackouts could adversely affect security protocols, including alarm systems and electronic fences; opportunistic criminal activity may increase during electricity outages.