Kathmandu [Nepal], August 27 – Nepal’s Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation has arranged alternative power supplies in flood-affected areas after damage to electricity infrastructure disrupted power services in several districts.
Twelve hydropower projects were damaged by the floods halting 431.1 megawatts of electricity generation or about 10% of Nepal’s total generation capacity, the ministry said.
Energy Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha has mobilised ministry mechanisms to arrange alternative energy supplies in Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading where residents remain affected by power disruptions.
In coordination with the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre the ministry is preparing to send 500 solar power banks to the affected areas on Thursday. The devices will provide basic lighting and allow residents to charge mobile phones.
A ministry official said immediate restoration in Rasuwa was difficult after a substation was destroyed making alternative power necessary.
The ministry said the 220-kV Trishuli 3B hub substation was completely damaged while six transmission lines remain disrupted.
Authorities are also working to restore power through the Chaughoda substation in Sindhupalchok and Dhadingbesi substation in parts of Dhading. Repair teams are patrolling accessible areas to restore lines, while a generator in Bhimfedi has been kept ready if required.
