RASUWA: Power generation at the 111 MW Rasuwagadhi Hydropower Project was suspended on Sunday evening as a precaution after the water level in the Lhende Khola rose and a mud-laden flood began flowing downstream.

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

The precaution comes nearly a year after a devastating flood in the Lhende Khola on July 8, 2024 caused extensive damage to the project’s dam and other infrastructure. Following repairs and reconstruction, the plant had resumed operations. Engineers have now closed the intake gates leading water into the tunnel to prevent possible damage from the latest surge.

Executive Director of Rasuwagadhi Hydropower, Satyaram Jyakwa, said the river’s flow is being continuously monitored. If conditions are deemed safe, electricity generation will restart as early as today.

Meanwhile, with water levels in the Bhotekoshi River also rising, security personnel said cargo trucks and newly imported vehicles parked at the Rasuwagadhi Customs Yard have been moved to safer locations. Drivers have urged the Nepal Intermodal Transport Development Committee to strengthen flood protection and construct embankments, warning that floodwaters could enter the northern section of the customs yard.

Gosaikunda Rural Municipality–2 Ward Chair Kami Chhiring Tamang has urged local residents to stay away from the Lhende Khola and the Bhotekoshi River and avoid parking vehicles along riverbanks.

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

As the Mailung road remains at risk, 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 appealed to travelers and drivers to avoid using vulnerable roads. With continuous rainfall increasing water levels in rivers and streams, the administration has also urged the public to stay away from riverbanks and other high-risk areas and to exercise extra caution while traveling.

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