KATHMANDU: Severe rainfall over the past two days has caused widespread disruptions in Nepal’s hydropower sector, halting electricity production in multiple major projects. According to the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), floods and landslides triggered by the heavy rain have raised river levels, forcing a shutdown in hydropower projects that collectively generate 1,300 megawatts (MW) of electricity.

Among the largest impacted sites is the 456 MW Upper Tamakoshi project, along with several others including the 73 MW Middle Tamor, 60 MW Solu Khola Dudh Koshi, 50 MW Upper Marsyangdi, 54 MW Super Dordi, and 200 MW from the Kabeli Corridor. Additionally, smaller hydropower projects such as Mid Solukhola, Super Madi, and Middle Modi have also suspended electricity production.

The heavy rains have also disrupted key transmission lines. The 132 kV Pathlaiya-Chandranigahapur line has been halted due to fallen trees, while NEA officials are working to address issues with the circuits on the Dana-Khusma line. Problems with the Bhaktapur-Banepa and Chamelia transmission lines are also under review as efforts to restore power continue.

Authorities are working round the clock to repair the damaged infrastructure and restore electricity to the affected areas. However, with weather conditions still unstable, it remains unclear when normal power generation will resume.

Update : 10:10 BST

A total of 39 individuals have died in eight districts, including the Kathmandu Valley, due to the disasters caused by continuous rainfall for the last three days.

Among the deceased, nine are from Kathmandu, 16 from Lalitpur, five from Bhaktapur, three from Kavrepalanchowk, two each from Panchthar and Dhankuta, and one each from Jhapa and Dhading, according to the police.