FAULT LOCATED. Divers and experts from the Siargao Electric Cooperative inspect the damaged portion of a submarine cable on Thursday (Dec. 12, 2024). The cable fault has caused a prolonged power outage in Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte since Dec. 1. (Photo courtesy of Atty. Lalo Matugas via PNA)
BUTUAN CITY, Philippines – The Siargao Electric Cooperative said Thursday that the fault causing the power outage on Siargao Island since Dec. 1 has been identified.
In a statement, the cooperative said the fault was found in a 1.6-km. section of a submarine cable, and it is being thoroughly assessed after it was retrieved from the seabed.
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To address the power shortage, a 4.4-megawatt (MW) generator from Lanao del Norte arrived in Siargao on Wednesday.
The generator, set for commissioning on Friday, is part of a 16-MW alternative power solution for Siargao and Bucas Grande islands while repairs on the submarine cable continue.
Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 13 (Caraga Region) delivered 8,018 ten-liter bottles of drinking water to General Luna town residents affected by the power outage.
“A total of 3,048 bottles were successfully delivered on Wednesday, while the remaining 4,970 bottles were handed over to the local government unit on Thursday,” the DSWD-13 said.
The assistance was in response to a request from the local government, the agency added. (PNA)