KUWAIT: The ministry of electricity and water and renewable energy on Wednesday cut electricity supply to parts of over 30 residential areas and several industrial and agricultural areas as temperatures began to soar, causing a rise in consumption.

The ministry said the cuts were prompted by an increase in consumption and as annual maintenance works were ongoing on a number of power plants and stations. The Met department said temperatures rose to over 35 degrees Celsius and were expected to increase to 41-42 degrees on Thursday, before going down slightly at the weekend.

Kuwait Fire Force urged people to avoid using elevators during the scheduled power cuts. In a statement to KUNA, Public Relations and Media Department Director at KFF Brig Gen Mohammad Al-Gharib advised everyone to remain calm in the event of an elevator stoppage or power outage and to press the alarm button to call for help or call the emergency number 112 when needed. He cautioned users not to attempt to open the elevator door to escape, as this could put their lives at risk, and instructed those affected to sit on the floor of the lift to relieve stress and wait for assistance. — Agencies