Long said that amidst power loss and restriction in water supply, the island may not able to provide basic services to tourists if the number of visitors to the island is too large.

He suggested tourists choose other similar tourist destinations in the province such as Quan Lan, Ngoc Vung and Ban Sen islands of Van Don district.

The Co To authorities will inform people and tourists as soon as power is resumed, said Long.

In the peak tourism season, Co To welcomes 7,000-10,000 tourists per day. But the island can supply the best services to only 5,000 visitors daily.

Earlier on June 18, lightning damaged the 22KV power transmission line that provides electricity for Co To island district and five communes of Van Don island district of Quang Ninh, disrupting electricity supply for the islands for days.

The transmission line’s section in Ba Mun island of Co To district was struck by lightning at 13:37 on June 18.

Supply was resumed for the communes in Van Don district early the next day, but the Quang Ninh power company is yet to fix the line transmission to Co To.

The company said the power cut will continue on the island for a couple of days, noting that difficult terrains and unfavourable weather conditions are hindering repairing work. Disruption of electricity has also resulted in difficulties in supplying water.

Co To island district has been connected to the national power grid since 2013 and the power failure may affect local tourism activities.

The district People’s Committee has informed local people and businesses on the blackout incident so that they can prepare for power generators during the time of power outage.