The Negros Oriental II Electric Cooperative (Noreco II) said power has been restored in all areas affected by Severe Tropical Storm “Kristine” (international name Trami) last month.

Fe Marie Tagle, Noreco II general manager, told the Philippine News Agency in an interview that during the onslaught of “Kristine” in late October, massive power outages were experienced in their coverage areas.

“‘Kristine’s’ impact here was unexpected because weather forecasts showed that it was going to hit Luzon,” Tagle said.

On October 23, several areas serviced by Noreco II were without power for several hours, some suffering brownouts during nighttime until the following day.

The power outages were caused by feeder tripping, felled trees, broken electric lines and tree branches.

Noreco II supplies power to more than half of Negros Oriental, covering Tanjay City, Pamplona, Amlan, San Jose, Sibulan, Dumaguete City, Valencia, Bacong, Dauin, Zamboanguita, Siaton, Sta. Catalina, Bayawan, and Basay.

Tagle said they mobilized teams immediately but the power restoration had to be done according to priority, attending to the feeders first, then the transformers and the households.

“Electricity cannot be restored in households unless the power sources are reenergized, and we hope that our consumers understand the process,” Tagle said.

She added that they also had to clear vegetation and cut down felled trees and poles to ensure the safety of workers and the general public.

Meanwhile, Tagle said they are now gearing up for disaster response as a trail of low-pressure areas has been spotted outside the Philippine area of responsibility.

She pointed out a pattern based on previous years when most of the storms that hit the country from October to December usually affect the Visayas and Mindanao. (PNA)