Floods, landslides cause major damage to power infrastructure, up to 1,303 MW affected

Floods and landslides triggered by incessant rainfall have caused major damage to power generation, transmission and distribution systems in various parts of the country. According to the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, disruptions across various lines, generation units and loads amount to about 1,303 megawatts.

The ministry said major disruptions to the power system have been seen in the Pokhara, Butwal, Hetauda and Kathmandu areas. Floods have damaged hydropower plants, transmission lines and substations.

According to Bijmandu, floods and landslides have halted 850 megawatts of production from 23 hydropower projects and caused blackouts in four districts. Damage to the Kali Gandaki Corridor 220 kV transmission line has halted about 200 megawatts of power generation. A month ago, floods in the Bhotekoshi River had knocked 413 megawatts out of the national transmission line.

Incessant rain, windstorms, floods, landslides and lightning have damaged transmission and distribution infrastructure, disrupting power supply in some areas. The Nepal Electricity Authority has mobilized teams to restore the power system.