Typhoon Marce has left parts of Cagayan and Apayao provinces in a complete blackout after severe winds knocked down power poles and lines. Residents in 20 municipalities across Cagayan and four in Apayao are grappling with outages, with power restoration possibly taking up to a week, according to Cagayan Electric Cooperative II (CAGELCO II).
CAGELCO II General Manager, Engr. Rudolph Adviento, reported that initial assessments show severe damage to lateral and primary lines due to the typhoon’s powerful gusts. CAGELCO II linemen are currently conducting clearing operations and damage assessments throughout the affected areas to restore power safely and systematically.
Adviento acknowledged that the extent of the destruction means that repairs could take considerable time. In an effort to accelerate restoration efforts, CAGELCO II may seek assistance from other electric cooperatives to help repair and rebuild affected lines and poles.
The cooperative appealed to its members and consumers for patience as crews work to restore power.
The prolonged blackout is expected to impact daily life significantly, as residents navigate the extended outage caused by Marce’s fury.
