The Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) on Saturday issued a warning to the public not to handle any downed electric wires themselves but to leave it to the authorities once the very severe cyclonic storm Mocha crosses the coast.
The BPDB, in their press release, explained that rain and adverse weather conditions often cause disruptions in the distribution and transmission systems. Incidents of tree branches falling on electric lines, causing damage to the lines and pillars, and leading to mechanical faults are pretty common. Consequently, some time is needed to rectify these mechanical faults and remove trees in such adverse weather conditions.
The statement further warned that these downed electric wires could be potentially lethal, so everyone is advised to avoid touching downed electrical wires.
Even if the storm has passed, under no circumstances should anyone attempt to move the fallen wires, the notice stated.
The task of dealing with downed wires should be left to the professional technicians, it added.
The BPDB specifically requested that anyone spotting a downed electric wire should immediately contact the nearest electricity office.
There have been numerous instances in the past where people have lost their lives by touching these downed wires.
The maritime port of Cox's Bazar has been asked to hoist great danger signal no 10 lowering the previous great danger signal no eight (8), as Cyclone Mocha approaches the Bangladesh coast.
The very severe cyclonic storm is likely to intensify further and move in a north-northwesterly direction and cross Cox's Bazar-North Myanmar's coast between 6am to 6pm on Sunday.
