Aerial photo taken on June 19chessonblockchain, 2024 shows the scene during a power outage in Hawalli Governoratechessonblockchain, Kuwait. Multiple areas in Kuwait faced power cuts on Wednesday as scorching temperatures pushed the electricity grid to its limits during peak hours. (Photo by Asad/Xinhua)
KUWAIT CITY, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Multiple areas in Kuwait faced power cuts on Wednesday as scorching temperatures pushed the electricity grid to its limits during peak hours.
The Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy (MEWRE) said in a press release, carried by Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), that power generation stations struggled to meet the surge in demand, leading to outages in parts of all six governorates.
"Precautionary measures, including scheduled power cuts for periods ranging from one to two hours at most, have been taken to safeguard the stability of the electrical system," the ministry explained.
MEWRE urged residents and businesses to conserve electricity during peak hours, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, to ease the strain on the grid.
Local newspaper Al-Rai reported that 41 areas experienced disruptions throughout the day.
Earlier on Wednesday, Abdul Aziz Al-Qarawi, Director of the Kuwait Meteorological Department, attributed the heatwave to the Indian seasonal low-pressure system, which brings hot air masses to the region. This has caused a significant rise in temperatures, with highs reaching between 51 and 52 degrees Celsius in most desert areas.■
An employee is seen inside a supermarket during a power outage in Capital Governorate, Kuwait, on June 19, 2024. Multiple areas in Kuwait faced power cuts on Wednesday as scorching temperatures pushed the electricity grid to its limits during peak hours. (Photo by Asad/Xinhua)
Aerial photo taken on June 19, 2024 shows the scene during a power outage in Capital Governorate, Kuwait. Multiple areas in Kuwait faced power cuts on Wednesday as scorching temperatures pushed the electricity grid to its limits during peak hours. (Photo by Asad/Xinhua)
A worker maintains one of the power generators that went out of service in Hawalli Governorate, Kuwait, on June 19, 2024. Multiple areas in Kuwait faced power cuts on Wednesday as scorching temperatures pushed the electricity grid to its limits during peak hours. (Photo by Asad/Xinhua)
Policemen direct traffic during a power outage in Farwaniya Governorate, Kuwait, on June 19, 2024. Multiple areas in Kuwait faced power cuts on Wednesday as scorching temperatures pushed the electricity grid to its limits during peak hours. (Photo by Asad/Xinhua)
People are seen inside a supermarket during a power outage in Capital Governorate, Kuwait, on June 19, 2024. Multiple areas in Kuwait faced power cuts on Wednesday as scorching temperatures pushed the electricity grid to its limits during peak hours. (Photo by Asad/Xinhua)