São Paulo: Nearly 1.4 million households in São Paulo, Brazil, were without electricity on 12th of October, nearly 24 hours after a strong storm hit the city. The storm, which briefly swept through South America’s largest city, resulted in the deaths of at least seven people.
Authorities in São Paulo state reported that, record wind gusts reaching up to 67 mph (108 kph) brought down transmission lines and uprooted trees, leading to significant damage in several areas.
The storm also caused the closure of several airports and disrupted water services in various areas, according to the state government. Authorities reported that one person died when a tree fell on an outdoor stall, while at least six others were killed in different parts of São Paulo state.
Initially, authorities anticipated that power would be restored within a few hours. However, many neighbourhoods in the metropolitan area, home to 21 million people, remained without electricity. Officials also urged residents to conserve water due to ongoing disruptions.
The majority of the power outages occurred in the service area of a single utility, Enel-São Paulo, which is partially owned by AES Corporation. In May, the Virginia-based company announced plans to sell its 47% stake in its Brazilian unit for $640 million.
Regulators ordered an investigation into the utility, warning that if the power outages are not resolved quickly and satisfactorily, they may take steps to revoke the private concession.
Enel reported that 17 high-voltage transmission lines were damaged by the storm but did not specify when power would be fully restored.
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