Kathmandu— The Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation in Nepal is providing alternative power sources to areas affected by recent flooding in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading. Extensive damage to electricity infrastructure, including the complete destruction of a key substation and disruption of transmission lines, has halted hydropower generation totaling 431.1 megawatts. The ministry plans to distribute 500 solar power banks through the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority to provide lighting and mobile phone charging capabilities in impacted communities.

Infrastructure Damage and Power Outages

Floods have caused significant damage to Nepal’s electricity infrastructure, impacting approximately 10 percent of the country's total generation capacity. The 220 kV Trishuli 3B Hub Substation was completely destroyed, and six transmission lines were disrupted. Twelve hydropower projects have been affected, leading to a halt in the production of 431.1 megawatts of electricity.

Emergency Power Distribution

In response to the widespread outages, the Ministry of Energy is coordinating with the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre to deliver 500 solar power banks to the flood-affected areas on Thursday. These units will be handed over to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, which is headed by the Prime Minister, for distribution to those in need.

Restoration Challenges

Immediate restoration of electricity in Rasuwa is not feasible due to the complete loss of a substation washed away by floodwaters. Sanjeev Maharjan, Chief Personal Secretary to Energy Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha, explained that “The substation in Rasuwa has been swept away, so electricity cannot be restored immediately.” The solar power banks are intended as an interim solution while long-term repairs are assessed and undertaken.

Minister Shrestha is scheduled to inspect the Load Dispatch Centre to further assess the impact of the floods on the national power supply system and monitor restoration efforts.

(With inputs from RN)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.