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Due to flood in Bhotekoshi river located in Rasuwa, about 10 percent of Nepal’s total power generation capacity has been affected.

The power supply system has become challenging after floods caused extensive damage to power generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure.

According to preliminary details, 12 power generation stations with a capacity of 431.1 MW have been closed due to floods. 15 hydropower projects under construction have also been damaged. The total capacity of these projects is about 470 MW.

Talking about the transmission system, Trishuli 220 KV 3B Hub Substation has been completely damaged. Apart from this, various transmission lines and towers of 132, 66 and 220 KV have also been damaged due to floods.

Due to flood, power supply has been completely disrupted in Rasuwa district. Electricity service has been partially affected in various areas of Nuwakot, Dhading and Gorkha.

According to Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Viraj Bhakta Shrestha, Nepal Electricity Authority is working with high priority to maintain the balance between demand and supply of electricity.

So far the authority has been successful in keeping the power system balanced, but due to the widespread damage caused by the floods, more challenges may arise in the coming days. In view of this, necessary preparations have been intensified.

Meanwhile, contact with more than 196 employees and laborers working in various power projects and structures has been cut off. Minister Shrestha said that their search and rescue operation is going on.

More than 15 vehicles of Nepal Electricity Authority have been sent to the affected areas for rescue work and restoration of power service. Apart from this, additional rescue and technical teams have also been deployed in the affected areas.

Restoration of power supply through alternative arrangements, repair and restoration of damaged structures and search and rescue of contactless workers and laborers are being carried out in coordination with local administration, security agencies and concerned bodies.

Minister Shrestha said that the government has currently given top priority to human security, search and rescue and restoration of essential electricity services. Along with this, the work of gathering detailed information about the damage caused by the flood and technical evaluation is also going on.

He said that so far there has been success in keeping the power system balanced, but due to the large-scale damage caused by the floods, additional challenges may arise in the coming days.

Therefore, necessary preparations and management are being given high priority to maintain the smooth operation of the power system.