Storm Eunice in the United Kingdom has knocked one million households off the grid, leaving more than 200,000 British homes still without power
London, February 20 (RHC)-- Storm Eunice in the United Kingdom has knocked one million households off the grid, leaving more than 200,000 British homes still without power, an official body says.
According to the UK's Energy Networks Association, which represents electricity networks, 226,000 people were still without power as of Saturday, mostly across southern England, but also in the east of the country and in South Wales.
It added that it had managed to reconnect 1.2 million customers since 0730 GMT. “That number is increasing constantly, and engineers are working round the clock to reconnect people,” said Ross Easton, the company's director of communications.
The sharp Atlantic storm has sent record winds of up to 196 kilometers per hour to Britain, leaving three people dead and causing widespread damage. At least six more people have reportedly lost their lives in Ireland, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
Back in November, Storm Arwen hit northeast England and eastern Scotland, leaving nearly one million homes powerless. Within 48 hours, however, power was restored to the vast majority of homes.
Nevertheless, over 3,000 households did not regain access to mains power for a week or more, prompting London to order a review of utility firms’ preparedness.