Kathmandu, Aug 28:
Nepalese authorities have begun arranging alternative power sources for flood-hit regions after devastating flash floods damaged electricity infrastructure and disrupted power supply across several districts.
The Ministry of Energy and Water Resources has mobilised emergency mechanisms to provide alternative electricity support to the worst-affected districts of Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading.
According to officials, floods damaged 12 hydropower projects and disrupted 431.1 MW of electricity generation. The scale of destruction has made the immediate restoration of normal power supply particularly difficult in some areas.
The government is sending 500 solar power banks to affected communities. Of these, 300 units have already been handed over to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, while another 200 are being dispatched.
The solar power banks are expected to provide emergency lighting and enable residents and rescue personnel to charge mobile phones in areas where conventional electricity networks remain unavailable.
Authorities said electricity supply to parts of Nuwakot had been restored through alternative transmission arrangements. However, restoration in Rasuwa is expected to take longer after floodwaters washed away a substation.
The emergency measure is aimed at maintaining communication and basic lighting facilities as rescue operations continue.