Power outages affected large parts of Hulhumalé Phase 1 and Phase 2 on the night of January 18, after a high-voltage electricity cable was accidentally damaged during excavation work connected to flat construction projects.

The incident left many residents and businesses in the area without power, causing significant disruption.

The damage to the cable occurred during construction activities and has been confirmed by the State Electric Company Limited (STELCO).

In a statement addressing the incident, STELCO clarified that the power outage was directly linked to the excavation work being carried out by contractors in the vicinity.

The company further emphasised the importance of taking extra precautions when working near critical electricity infrastructure, urging contractors and workers to remain vigilant to avoid such incidents in the future.