KATHMANDU: Massive floods entering Nepal from the Kerung and Lende rivers in China have caused severe damage to major hydropower projects in Rasuwa district.

According to Baburaja Maharjan, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Chilime Hydropower Company, power production of up to 200 megawatts has come to a halt due to the floods.

CEO Maharjan said that the 111-MW Rasuwagadhi Hydropower Project, the 60-MW Trishuli 3A, the 21-MW Trishuli, and the 15-MW Devighat project are currently non-operational.

Among them, Rasuwagadhi and Trishuli 3A have sustained significant damage and cannot be restored to operation anytime soon.

“In terms of total power capacity, 200 megawatts may not seem large,” said Maharjan, “but the flood has completely destroyed the external infrastructure of the Rasuwagadhi project.”

He added that none of the projects along the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli corridors are currently in a position to resume electricity generation.

Maharjan also noted that since most hydropower projects across the country remain operational during the monsoon season, the overall electricity supply will not be severely affected.

He emphasized that a large investment will be required to rebuild the infrastructure and restore power supply in the affected areas.