The Government of Nepal’s Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation has intensified rescue and electricity restoration operations following destructive flooding in the Bhotekoshi River, which damaged hydropower infrastructure in Rasuwa and surrounding areas. According to a press release issued on Bhadra 13, 2083 BS, a special team led by the ministry’s secretary conducted field inspections in Rasuwa and Nuwakot, directing security agencies and concerned authorities to accelerate rescue operations and prioritize the safety of individuals trapped inside hydropower tunnels. Rescue efforts are continuing at the Upper Trishuli-3A and Trishuli-3B hydropower projects, despite adverse weather and challenging terrain.
To strengthen rescue operations, the government authorized the deployment of a specialized Indian technical rescue team with advanced expertise to reach individuals trapped inside the Upper Trishuli-3A tunnel. However, the team’s helicopter was unable to land at the project site due to unfavorable weather conditions. Meanwhile, a six-member Chinese technical team was mobilized to the affected area and successfully reached the Trishuli-3B Hydropower Project by helicopter. The Chinese specialists, working in coordination with the Nepal Army’s technical team, began assessing tunnel conditions and conducting preliminary rescue evaluations. Additional Chinese experts stationed near the Rasuwa border were placed on standby for immediate deployment if further technical assistance became necessary.
Alongside the rescue mission, the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has been working to restore electricity supply in flood-affected settlements, particularly Dhunche in Rasuwa district. A technical team led by an NEA Deputy Executive Director has been accelerating the installation and operation of temporary alternative electricity lines to restore disrupted services. The ministry has also initiated an emergency alternative energy programme through the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC), providing 2-kilowatt-peak (2 kWp) institutional solar power systems to essential public institutions, including health posts, schools, municipalities and ward offices where the national transmission network remains unavailable.
As part of the programme’s first phase, three institutional solar electricity systems have already been handed over to Uttargaya Rural Municipality in Rasuwa to support the continuation of essential public services. The ministry stated that similar solar installations would be expanded to other flood-affected areas according to their needs and priorities. The press release, signed by Assistant Spokesperson Shaligram Bhandari, emphasizes the government’s commitment to ensuring the safe rescue of trapped individuals and restoring electricity access. The statement does not confirm the completion of the tunnel rescue operations or provide a specific timeline for full electricity restoration.
