KANNUR: Drinking water was not supplied in the town and nearby areas from the Pazhassi reservoir for the third day on Saturday, though the pipeline to the pumping station at Veliyambra was repaired.

The supply was stopped after the pipeline had sprung a leak.

Kerala Water Authority officials said pumping could not be resumed because power went off four times in the afternoon at Veliyambra.

The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) officials had been alerted to the problem.

After starting pumping, 10 hours are needed to begin water supply. Officials had hoped that supply could be restored by Saturday evening. But it did not happen, disappointing people who are finding it difficult to cope, as wells had gone dry or had little water.

The ruptured section of the pipe was replaced by 2 a.m. on Saturday and pumping was resumed.

But power failure came in the way.

Officials said pumping could now be started on Sunday morning.

The pipeline was being damaged as air-pressure variations caused by power failure led to leaks.

They said the KSEB officials appeared unaware of the seriousness of the situation.

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