The Bhotekoshi flood has caused direct damage to 13 hydropower projects in Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts, leaving 933 workers unaccounted for. According to the Independent Power Producers’ Association Nepal (IPPAN), 576 workers remain missing specifically at the Upper Trishuli-1 project, with fears they may be trapped inside tunnels, necessitating immediate rescue operations. The Ministry of Energy and Nepal Electricity Authority have deployed additional helicopters to accelerate rescue efforts for the trapped employees and laborers in Nuwakot and Rasuwa projects. September 28, Kathmandu.
The flood and landslides have impacted both under-construction and operational projects, endangering hundreds of workers. IPPAN reports direct damage to 13 hydropower plants, with 933 workers uncontactable. Among them, 254 have been rescued, while some have reestablished communication; however, a significant number remain unreachable.
According to IPPAN Senior Vice President Uttam Bhlon, both private and government sector projects have been affected. “The damage is greater than anticipated; currently, the focus is entirely on rescue and relief efforts,” he stated. Immediate rescue is critical at projects including Langtang Hydro, Upper Trishuli, Trishuli-3 ‘B’, and Chilime. However, roads and communication links have been completely severed until Thursday, compounding rescue difficulties.
While efforts have been made to use private helicopters for rescue, the lack of suitable landing zones at project sites along with technical and safety challenges have hindered these operations, Bhlon explained. “Contact is only possible with those who have been rescued and brought out; there is no road access to upper areas and mobile networks are down,” he added. IPPAN continues to update the government, Nepal Army, and Nepal Police about the condition of those trapped. The association is also preparing to mobilize institutional support for rescue and relief activities, Bhlon concluded.
