It is said to be the most serious case of power failure in the past 50 years in the city.

Only two out of all the 12 power substations in the city are operating for the time being.

The power outage accident was generated by the heavy fog that is prevailing in the city now, according to officials with Shenyang electric power bureau, since wires were burnt out as they discharged in the foggy weather.

Electric administrations have tried but failed in three attempts to restart the cable network.

The discharging phenomenon will possibly continue for a period of time, local electricians estimated.

Operation of flight and railway services were seriously affected, with the Taoxian International Airport being closed for six hours. One-third of the city's traffic light were dead.

Many enterprises, as well as newspapers, have experienced work suspension during the power outage. Some have managed to resume work in a small scale by this afternoon, using spare power generators.

Detailed losses in the accident is not available by now. Local departments are taking emergent gatherings to find a solution.

(Xinhua 02/22/2001)