KATHMANDU, Aug 26: The Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation has deployed a team to identify and rescue employees, workers and local residents who remain unaccounted for following the floods in Rasuwa.
The ministry said it is coordinating with the Home Ministry to determine the whereabouts of those missing and carry out rescue operations. The Nepal Electricity Authority has sent seven vehicles to the affected areas and kept another 14 on standby, while also coordinating possible air rescues.
Eight hydropower projects in Rasuwa—five operational and three under construction—have been affected by the floods. The operational projects have a combined capacity of 236 MW, while the projects under construction have a combined capacity of 342.42 MW.
India, China, South Korea send technical teams to Nepal for flo...
The affected projects include Upper Trishuli-1, Rasuwagadhi, Rasuwa Bhotekoshi, Sanjen Khola, Upper Mailung A, Mailung Khola, Langtang Khola and Chilime.
Six hydropower projects in Nuwakot—four operational and two under construction—have also been affected. Their combined capacity is 123 MW for operational projects and 52.6 MW for those under construction.
Energy Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha has directed officials to immediately assess the damage caused by the sudden Bhotekoshi flood and accelerate rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts.
The ministry said technical teams have been mobilized to assess damaged infrastructure and restore electricity services wherever possible. It is also preparing alternative and emergency arrangements to maintain a regular and reliable power supply across the country.
The Hydrology and Meteorology-related authorities sent more than 200,000 SMS alerts to residents in downstream areas warning of flood risks. However, damage to gauge stations and other infrastructure has made it difficult to continue providing risk information.
The ministry is also coordinating with the Independent Power Producers’ Association, Nepal, to assess damage to private hydropower projects, rescue affected workers and plan rehabilitation.
A committee led by the joint secretary of the ministry’s Planning Division has been formed to assess the overall damage and prepare a rehabilitation plan.
