The rainfall that continued since Friday has damaged 18 hydropower projects across the country.
According to the preliminary data collected by the Independent Power Producers' Association, Nepal (IPPAN), the power production has been halted at 13 operational projects with a combined capacity of 105.4 megawatts (MW).
Additionally, five under-construction projects totaling 93 MW have been damaged by the floods.
IPPAN reports that damage and production shutdown have specifically occurred in Ilam district. They include 4.5 MW and 22 MW Maikhola Hydropower Project, 8 MW and 7 MW Maikhola Cascade, 7.8 MW and 9.6 MW Super Maikhola and Super Maikhola 'A' Hydropower, 3 MW Super Maikhola 'A' Cascade Hydropower Project.
Further, the production has also ceased due to damage at Jogmaikhola, Jogmai Cascade, Lower Jogmai, Maibeni Hydro, Upper Maikhola, and Maisi Cascade projects—all based in Ilam.
Similarly, five under-construction projects in Panchthar, Ilam, and Sindhupalchowk have suffered damages. Flood and landslides have caused damage to the Sabhakhola 'B', Hewakhola, Siddhikhola, Brahmayani, and Upper Brahmayani Hydropower projects in Panchthar.
While IPPAN has released details stating that 18 small and large projects in Ilam, Panchthar, and Sindhupalchowk districts have been damaged, the government has so far only reported damage to two hydropower projects.
Organizing a press meet on Sunday, Energy Minister Kulman Ghising reported that only two private-sector-operated hydropower projects across the country were damaged due to the rainfall. However, hydropower entrepreneurs have released figures indicating that 13 hydropower projects have been shut down.
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