Floods and Landslides Damage Power Infrastructure, Disrupt Around 200 MW of Electricity Generation in Nepal

Heavy rainfall, strong winds, floods, landslides, and lightning have caused extensive damage to electricity transmission and distribution infrastructure in various parts of Nepal, disrupting power supply in several areas and affecting electricity generation at multiple hydropower projects. Damage has been reported along the 220 kV Kaligandaki Corridor transmission line, particularly on the section between Dana in Myagdi and Kushma in Parbat, where towers numbered 21 and 22 have been affected. A fault has also been reported along the Kushma–New Butwal section of the Kaligandaki Corridor transmission line. These disruptions have affected approximately 200 megawatts of electricity generation connected to the corridor. Flooding has also forced several hydropower projects to suspend electricity generation. The affected facilities include the 140 MW Kaligandaki, 25 MW Upper Madi, 44 MW Super Madi, 20 MW Namaarjun Madi, 40 MW Seti River, 25 MW Upper Dordi, 50 MW Upper Marsyangdi, 70 MW Middle Marsyangdi, and 69 MW Marsyangdi hydropower projects, among others. The extent and duration of the disruptions will depend on the conditions at the affected facilities and associated infrastructure. In addition to damage to the 220 kV transmission line, floods and landslides have affected transmission and distribution structures operating at 132 kV, 33 kV, and 11 kV levels. The damage has created challenges for maintaining a stable electricity supply across affected areas. According to Nepal Electricity Authority Executive Director Dirghayu Kumar Shrestha, technical and maintenance teams have been deployed to affected locations to assess the initial damage, identify areas experiencing power outages, restore electricity through alternative arrangements, and carry out urgent repairs to damaged infrastructure. Shrestha said the authority has been working to restore electricity in affected areas through alternative feeders and other available transmission and distribution infrastructure wherever possible. The NEA is assessing damaged structures and mobilizing the necessary equipment, materials, and personnel to progressively restore regular power supply. He emphasized that restoring electricity to consumers as quickly as possible remains a high priority despite the damage caused by natural disasters. However, heavy rainfall, flooding, landslides, and blocked roads have made it difficult for technical teams to reach some affected locations. The authority plans to accelerate repair and restoration work by deploying additional technical personnel and equipment as soon as roads and access routes become accessible. Meanwhile, available resources are being mobilized to maintain electricity supply through alternative arrangements and restore normal services in the shortest possible time. The NEA has also urged consumers to remain cautious during the ongoing disaster situation. It has specifically warned the public to stay away from damaged electrical infrastructure, fallen power lines, and collapsed electricity poles to avoid accidents and potential electrocution.