India, Jan. 23 -- A powerful windstorm has crippled the electricity distribution network across the Kashmir Valley, pushing the active power load to below 100 megawatts against the usual demand of around 1700 megawatts, officials said on Friday, as outages hit almost all 33 KV feeders, including those supplying emergency services.

Restoration teams have been deployed on an emergency footing, but officials said continuous windy conditions and heavy obstructions caused by fallen trees are slowing repair work. Field staff are also facing difficulties reaching several affected areas due to blocked roads and unstable weather.

A detailed assessment of damage to the infrastructure is underway, KPDCL said, but it is expected to take time given ...