TC Yasa struck the Fiji group on Thursday 17 th December, 2020, causing extensive damages especially to property, infrastructure, livestock and agriculture.

Most of these damages this time round, happened to be in Vanua Levu.

TC Yasa caused extensive damages to the EFL power distribution network in the areas of Labasa, Savusavu, Seaqaqa, Dreketi and Taveuni.

EFL and the private electrical power line and vegetation management contractors have been working around the clock to restore power supply in a timely and safe manner as soon as the cyclone passed through the Fiji group.

Repairs and restoration of power lines commenced on Friday 18 th December 2020 by EFL Teams around Fiji. As soon as the power supply restoration works was completed in Viti Levu, close to a 150 EFL personnel and specialised equipment from Viti Levu was sent across to Vanua Levu and Ovalau to assist the respective teams in these areas with the restoration works.

In addition to the EFL personnel, eleven registered electrical power line contractors, two vegetation management contractors and their crews, were also tasked with the repairs and restoration in the affected areas of Vanua Levu.

On Saturday 9 th January 2021, at Malau in Labasa, one of the personnel who was employed with one of power line electrical contractors unfortunately fell from the top of a power pole and fatally injured himself. This accident happened when the victim had almost reached the top of the power pole and was trying to position himself to enable him to carry out repairs, when he accidentally fell.

The investigation panel has completed the detailed investigation and the EFL management is now reviewing the report. It is rather unfortunate that this accident has happened considering that the victim was trained, had the necessary experience, was equipped with the required safety gear to safeguard against such mishaps.

EFL, the power line contractor with the assistance of the medical personnel tried their utmost to rescue the victim, unfortunately, the victim passed away after six days in intensive care. EFL sympathizes with the grieving family on the passing away of a loved one.

EFL continuously reviews its plans and processes with a safety focus, and is mapping out ways to mitigate such mishaps.

Feedback: rosi.doviverata@fijisun.com.fj