Amritsar Blackout: What Happened and How to Stay Safe

Last week the lights went out across large parts of Amritsar. If you were stuck in the dark, you probably wondered what caused it and how long it would last. In this article we break down the reasons behind the outage, what it means for residents, and what you can do next time the power drops.

Why the Power Went Out

Officials say the main trigger was a failure at the 220‑kilovolt sub‑station near the city centre. Heavy rain had flooded the underground cables, and a protective relay switched off the supply to prevent damage. When the relay tripped, whole neighborhoods lost electricity at once.

Another factor was the sudden surge in demand. With the summer heat still lingering, many households ran air‑conditioners and fans at the same time. The grid couldn’t keep up, so the utility had to shed load to avoid a wider collapse.

Punjab Power Corporation released a brief statement confirming that crews were on the ground repairing the fault. They estimated that full restoration would take 6‑8 hours, but some areas got power back sooner thanks to backup generators.

Tips to Deal with a Blackout

While you wait for the lights, keep a few simple steps in mind. First, unplug sensitive electronics like laptops and TV sets. A sudden power return can cause a surge that fries the hardware.

Next, use a flashlight instead of your phone’s screen for light. Phone batteries drain fast, and you’ll need them for emergency calls. If you have a battery‑powered radio, tune in to local updates – it’s often more reliable than social media during an outage.

Keep a small emergency kit ready: a few bottles of water, non‑perishable snacks, a basic first‑aid kit, and a portable charger. When the temperature is high, stay cool by staying in shaded areas, drinking water, and wearing light clothing.

After power is restored, check that your refrigerator is still cold. If the doors were open for more than a couple of hours, discard any food that looks or smells off. Finally, report any lingering street‑light outages to the municipal corporation so they can prioritize repairs.Blackouts can be annoying, but a little preparation goes a long way. Knowing why the Amritsar outage happened helps you stay calm, and following these safety tips keeps you and your family safe until the lights come back on.