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Continuous rainfall, windstorms, floods, landslides and lightning have damaged electricity transmission and distribution infrastructure at various locations across the country. The damage has disrupted power supply in several areas, while floods in rivers and streams have also affected power generation at multiple hydropower projects.

Transmission line damage

Under the Kaligandaki Corridor 220 kV transmission line, towers number 21 and 22 have been damaged in the section between Dana (Myagdi) and Kushma (Parbat). Similarly, a fault has occurred on the Kushma–Naya Butwal transmission line section, also under the Kaligandaki Corridor. As a result, power generation of approximately 200 MW connected to the corridor transmission line has been affected.

Hydropower generation halted

Due to the floods, power generation has stopped at the following hydropower projects:

- Kaligandaki ‘A’ (140 MW)

- Upper Madi (25 MW)

- Super Madi (44 MW)

- Namarjun Madi (20 MW)

- Seti River (40 MW)

- Upper Dordi (25 MW)

- Upper Marshyangdi (50 MW)

- Middle Marshyangdi (70 MW)

- Marshyangdi (69 MW)

- Modi, and others

Landslides and floods have also damaged transmission and distribution infrastructure across 220 kV, 132 kV, 33 kV and 11 kV voltage levels.

NEA response

NEA Managing Director Dirghayu Kumar Shrestha said technical and repair teams have been mobilised to various affected areas to collect preliminary damage assessments, identify zones with disrupted power supply, arrange alternative supply arrangements, and carry out immediate repairs to damaged infrastructure.

Shrestha said arrangements have been made to restore power supply through alternative feeders and other available transmission and distribution infrastructure wherever possible in areas facing disruption. Work is underway to progressively restore supply by evaluating the condition of damaged structures and mobilising the necessary equipment, materials and personnel.

He said the Authority is working with high priority to restore consumer power supply as quickly as possible despite the damage caused by the natural disaster, but acknowledged that heavy rainfall, landslides and blocked roads are making it difficult for technical teams to reach some affected areas. He added that as soon as roads and access routes reopen, additional technical teams and equipment will be mobilised to accelerate repair and restoration work.

NEA said all necessary resources have been mobilised to maintain power supply through available alternative arrangements where infrastructure has been damaged, and to restore regular supply within the shortest possible time. The Authority has urged consumers to remain cautious during this disaster period and to stay away from damaged electrical infrastructure, fallen wires or poles.