Floods Disrupt 483 MW Hydropower Generation, Damage Transmission Infrastructure

Kathmandu: Floods and landslides triggered by incessant rainfall have disrupted electricity generation and transmission across Nepal, forcing nine hydropower projects with a combined capacity of 483 MW to suspend production.

According to the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), generation has been halted at Kaligandaki (140 MW), Middle Marsyangdi (70 MW), Marsyangdi (69 MW), Upper Marsyangdi (50 MW), Super Madi (44 MW), Seti River (40 MW), Upper Madi (25 MW), Upper Dordi (25 MW), and Namarjun Madi (20 MW). Several other projects, including Modi, have also been affected.

Transmission infrastructure has suffered significant damage, particularly along the Kaligandaki Corridor. Towers 21 and 22 between Dana of Myagdi and Kushma of Parbat have been damaged, while problems have also been reported along the Kushma–Naya Butwal section.

The NEA said floods and landslides have damaged 220 kV, 132 kV, 33 kV and 11 kV transmission and distribution lines, causing power disruptions in several areas.

NEA Executive Director Dirghayu Kumar Shrestha said technical and maintenance teams have been deployed to assess the damage, restore electricity through alternative feeders and begin emergency repairs. Additional teams and equipment will be mobilized as soon as blocked roads and access routes are cleared.

Heavy rain, flooding, landslides and road blockages have made it difficult for repair teams to reach some affected sites. The NEA said restoring electricity to consumers remains its priority and that efforts are being accelerated wherever conditions allow.

The authority has also urged the public to stay away from fallen power lines, damaged poles and other electrical infrastructure, warning consumers not to touch damaged electrical equipment.