Siargao Island in blackout since Sunday

11/18/10 - Philippines - Regions, Electricity Production & Distribution

Philippines -- Siargao Island has been in total darkness since Sunday after lightning struck a power station, which has beem supplying electricity on the island.

Sergio Dagooc, general manager of the Siargao Electric Cooperative (SIARELCO), said power has not been restored in the entire island since its main Cagdianao power station was hit by lighting on Sunday evening.

“The lighting was so powerful that it severely destroyed our main power station, which supplies power on the entire island,” Dagooc told the Inquirer.

He said he already sought help from the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines and other electric cooperatives to help them repair and restore power supply.

He said it could take them a month to restore electricity on the island’s nine towns and its 21,000 power consumers due to the severity of the damage.

Dubbed as the surfing capital of the Philippines, Siargao is home to the Cloud 9, a world renowned surfing  spot and is host to a number of fine white beaches.

The influx of foreigners and domestic tourists into Siargao serves as its drive engine, which brought economic growth and opportunities on the idyllic island which faces the Pacific Ocean.

Leticia Tan, Caraga tourism director, said although power has been vital in every tourist destination, the blackout posed no serious threat to the island’s vibrant tourism industry.

Tan said the sooner power could be restored, the better it would be for Siargao’s tourism industry.

“The blackout has no impact on the tourism industry so far, I hope power would be restored soon,” Tan said. (Inquirer)

About Siargao

Siargao is composed of 48 islands and islets-politically divided into nine municipalities: Burgos, Dapa, Del Carmen, Gen. luna, Pilar, San Benito, San Isidro, Santa Monica, and Socorro. Read more...

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