Several communities in Nicosia were plunged into darkness on Friday evening, due to a serious equipment failure at an electricity transmission substation in Orunda.

The affected communities are Akaki, Astromeritis, Deneia, Pano Koutrafa, Meniko, Kato Moni, Nikitarion, Peristerontas, Potamios, Vizakia and Xyliatou.

Electricity Authority spokeswoman Christina Papadopoulou told the state broadcaster the fault is not expected to be repaired before midnight. Papadopoulou said intensive efforts are being made by the EAC engineers to provide alternative power supply to the affected areas through other substations until the damage is repaired.