Kathmandu— A devastating flash flood struck Nepal’s Rasuwa district on Wednesday, causing significant damage to hydropower projects, transmission lines, and other critical electricity infrastructure. The disaster affected both the Rasuwa and neighboring Nuwakot districts, impacting dozens of operating and developing power plants in the Trishuli and Bhotekoshi river basins. Preliminary reports from the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation indicate extensive damage to dams, powerhouses, access roads, and transmission structures, raising concerns about potential power disruptions.

Widespread Damage to Power Infrastructure

The flash flood has impacted a substantial number of hydropower projects. In Rasuwa, five operational plants with a combined capacity of 236 MW, along with three under-construction facilities totaling 342.42 MW, have sustained damage. Affected projects include the Upper Trishuli-1, Rasuwagadhi, and Chilime hydropower plants. Similarly, Nuwakot saw four operating projects (123 MW combined capacity) and two under construction (52.6 MW total) affected, including the Trishuli Hydropower Project and the Upper Trishuli 3A & 3B facilities.

The extent of damage to individual projects is still being assessed, with concerned agencies and developers working to gather detailed information and conduct technical evaluations. The ministry reported that physical structures like dams, headworks, powerhouses, access roads, transmission lines, construction materials, and other infrastructure have been severely impacted, particularly those located along riverbanks or in flood-prone areas.

Government Response and Relief Efforts

Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Biraj Bhakta Shrestha has directed authorities to prioritize rescue, relief, and rehabilitation efforts following the disaster. He convened a meeting of senior ministry officials Wednesday morning to assess the situation and coordinate with the Ministry of Home Affairs and other relevant agencies. The focus is on locating affected employees, workers, and local residents, as well as mobilizing necessary resources to the impacted areas.

The Hydrology and Meteorological Research Centre has sent over 200,000 SMS alerts to provide early warnings about potential flood risks to downstream communities. Additionally, the ministry is exploring the use of solar energy technology to provide immediate power service to affected regions.

NEA Works to Restore Power Supply

The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has begun work to restore and repair damaged power infrastructure, with a particular focus on the Trishuli 3B Hub Substation in Rasuwa district. Damage to this substation, along with transmission lines, has disconnected some projects from the national grid, increasing the risk of power supply disruptions, particularly for Kathmandu Valley which relies heavily on these nearby plants.

The NEA has mobilized technical personnel and resources to regulate power service in affected areas. The Ministry is also coordinating with the Independent Power Producers’ Association Nepal (IPPAN) to gather information about damage to private-sector projects and coordinate restoration efforts. IPPAN, in a press statement, urged national prioritization of assessment, reconstruction, and restoration of damaged infrastructure.

Damage Assessment Underway

A committee has been formed under the coordination of a joint secretary from the Planning Division to collect and assess overall damage details. The Ministry plans to make public an action plan for rehabilitation once accurate loss assessments are completed. This will allow them to move forward with necessary repairs and restoration work.

The full extent of the damage is still being evaluated, but authorities are working to restore power supply and provide relief to affected communities as quickly as possible.

(With inputs from RN)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.