Madang town suffered one of the longest blackouts ever yesterday, causing both panic and confusion among residents, and losses to businesses. Power was cut at about 7.30am and restored only at 9.07pm - 14 hours later. But the joy lasted only 42 minutes as power was disrupted again.
The blackout disrupted water supply, the operations of large businesses like RD Tuna Cannery in Madang, surgeries at the Modilon General Hospital, and James Barnes Meat Cannery and TV and radio reception.
Over the last weeks the tuna operation has also been experiencing a total break down of telephone communication with the outside world, only being reliant on a satellite phone.
Most restaurants and retail businesses had to close their doors. Traffic was also chaotic.
It is understood that the lone generator, which PNG Power has been using to power Madang, ran out of diesel yesterday morning.
PNG Power turned to the generator two weeks ago after floods washed away two power pylons that bring power from the Yonki hydro grid in Eastern Highlands to Madang. Load-shedding had been imposed in the town since then.
Probably the most popular item yesterday was candles. Residents snapped them up - regardless of shape and size. Many residents were also seen fetching water in buckets to their homes.