Power blackout in TRNC restored after over 17 hours

A total blackout affected several regions in northern Cyprus from Monday night to Tuesday afternoon causing panic and worry among residents.

The blackout which lasted more than 17 hours in some regions especially in Lefkosa started around 8:00pm on Monday and was restored in some region at around 1:17pm on Tuesday.

According to reports, there were problems with the system connecting the electricity supply in the TRNC electricity grid from south Cyprus. As a result, the emergency supply of electricity is also experiencing delays.

According to report by Yeniduzen, it said “since last night, nine areas in the TRNC are without electricity. The Turkish Cypriot Electricity authority (KIB-TEK) insists that the power cuts were due to a sabotage of the electricity supply system.”

Speaking to the newspaper, KIB-TEK chief Huseyin Pasha said that the blackouts “were probably caused by external interference.”

Pasha added that power was cut in several places at the same time, including a hospital.

On its part, EL-SEN, the trade union representing electricity grid employees said that the blackouts are due to “a lack of investment.”

Some areas got their electricity restored in the morning.

EL-SEN trade union has announced that its crews will contribute to the efforts to repair the damage.