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Electricity generation at the 111 MW Rasuwagadhi Hydropower Project has been temporarily suspended as a precaution after the water level in the Lhende Khola began rising and muddy floodwaters were observed on Sunday evening.

According to Santosh Adhikari, Chief of the Rasuwagadhi Hydropower Station, power generation was halted on Sunday evening to minimize potential risks. He said electricity production is expected to resume on Monday if river conditions return to normal.

On July 8 2025, flooding in the Lhende Khola caused extensive damage to the project’s dam and other infrastructure. Although the damaged structures were repaired and the plant was brought back into operation, technicians decided to close the intake gates leading water into the tunnel to prevent possible damage from another flood event.

Satya Ram Jyakhwa, Executive Director of Rasuwagadhi Hydropower, said the river’s flow is being continuously monitored. If conditions are deemed safe, electricity generation could resume as early as today.

Meanwhile, water levels have also risen in the Bhotekoshi River, prompting authorities to move cargo trucks and newly imported vehicles from the Rasuwagadhi Customs Yard to safer locations. As floodwaters could enter the northern section of the customs yard, drivers have urged the Nepal Intermodal Transport Development Committee to strengthen flood protection measures and construct embankments.

Kami Chhiring Tamang, Ward Chair of Gosaikunda Rural Municipality-2, has urged local residents to avoid the Lhende Khola and Bhotekoshi River areas and not to park vehicles along riverbanks.

According to Dhruva Prasad Adhikari, Assistant Chief District Officer of Rasuwa, the minor flooding on Sunday evening caused no significant damage except to the Mailung road section.

As the Mailung road has become hazardous, the District Administration Office has advised vehicles traveling to and from Kerung to use the alternative route via Betrawati–Kalikasthan–Dhunche–Syafrubesi–Rasuwagadhi. Chief District Officer Narendra Pariyar has urged drivers and travelers to avoid using risk-prone roads.

With continuous rainfall increasing water levels in rivers and streams, the district administration has also advised people to stay away from riverbanks and other vulnerable areas and to exercise extra caution while traveling.

Authorities have further requested the public to immediately report any disaster-related incidents by calling the toll-free emergency number 1234, enabling prompt rescue and relief operations.

Jalasarokar