Don't go near sagging or fallen electrical conductors during rainstorms; it could be fatal — ECG advises

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has warned the general public to stay away from fallen or sagging power lines during rainstorms due to the risk of electrocution.

In a statement issued on Thursday, May 9, ECG explained that heavy rains and winds often cause trees, billboards and rooftops to fall on overhead power lines, resulting in outages across its distribution network.

"Massive rainstorms and stormy winds usually cause the falling of trees, billboards, ripped roofing, etc. on our electrical conductors, resulting in outages," the statement said in part.

While temporary faults are usually restored remotely after storms pass, permanent damage requires engineers to conduct repairs - a process that can take time.

ECG also advised residents to report individual outages or fallen lines in their areas by calling its contact center on 0302-611611 or via social media for prompt assistance.

However, the power distributor strongly warned people against approaching sagging or fallen cables.

“ECG wishes to caution all and sundry to be extremely careful during rainy days not to go near any sagging or fallen electrical conductor since it could be fatal," it stressed.