Kathmandu, 27 August (H.S.): The flooding of the Bhotekoshi River in Rasuwa has affected nearly 10 per cent of Nepal’s total electricity generation capacity. With power generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure suffering extensive damage, the country’s electricity supply system has come under significant strain.

According to preliminary details, the floods have forced 12 power generation facilities with a combined capacity of 431.1 MW to shut down. Fifteen hydropower projects currently under construction have also sustained damage. Together, these projects have a combined generation capacity of around 470 MW.

On the transmission front, the Trishuli 220 kV 3B Hub Substation has been completely damaged. Several transmission lines and towers operating at 132 kV, 66 kV and 220 kV have also been affected by the floods. Electricity supply has been completely disrupted in Rasuwa district, while power services have been partially affected in various parts of Nuwakot, Dhading and Gorkha.

According to Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha, the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) is working on a high-priority basis to maintain a balance between electricity demand and supply. The authority has so far managed to keep the power system balanced, but the extensive damage caused by the floods could create additional challenges in the coming days. In view of this, preparations have been stepped up.

Meanwhile, more than 196 employees and workers engaged at various power projects and facilities have lost contact. Minister Shrestha said search and rescue operations to locate them are underway.

For rescue operations and the restoration of electricity services, more than 15 vehicles belonging to the Nepal Electricity Authority have been deployed to the affected areas. Additional rescue and technical teams have also been stationed in the flood-hit regions.

Efforts are underway, in coordination with the local administration, security agencies and other concerned authorities, to restore electricity supplies through alternative arrangements, repair and rehabilitate damaged infrastructure, and search for and rescue employees and workers who remain unaccounted for.

Minister Shrestha said the government has, for now, accorded the highest priority to human safety, search and rescue operations, and the restoration of essential electricity services. At the same time, efforts are continuing to compile a detailed assessment of the damage caused by the floods and conduct the necessary technical evaluations.

He said the authorities had so far succeeded in maintaining stability in the electricity system, but the extensive damage caused by the floods could lead to further challenges in the days ahead. Therefore, the necessary preparations and management measures are being accorded high priority to ensure the smooth functioning of the power system.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar