Rasuwa Flood Knocks 431 MW Offline: Full List of Affected Hydropower Projects (Updated)
On 26 August 2026 (10 Bhadra 2083), a sudden and powerful flood caused by a massive ice-and-rock avalanche (glacial collapse) swept down the Bhote Koshi River into Rasuwa district. The surge caused widespread destruction along the Bhote Koshi–Trishuli corridor, taking 431.1 MW of generation capacity offline — roughly 10% of Nepal's total electricity generation capacity at the time of the event.
Official NEA List of Affected Projects
Detailed capacity and damage status for hydropower stations offline following the Bhote Koshi flood.
| S.No. | Project | Capacity (MW) | Status / Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rasuwagadhi | 111.0 | Directly affected (NEA) |
| 2 | Salasungi (Sanjen) | 78.0 | |
| 3 | Upper Sanjen | 14.8 | Offline (no structural damage) |
| 4 | Sanjen | 42.5 | Offline (no structural damage) |
| 5 | Chilime | 22.0 | Directly affected (NEA) |
| 6 | Langtang | 20.0 | Directly affected (IPP) |
| 7 | Trishuli 3A | 60.0 | Directly affected (NEA) |
| 8 | Upper Mailung | 14.8 | |
| 9 | Mailung | 5.0 | |
| 10 | Trishuli | 24.0 | Directly affected (NEA) - 220 KV Substation also affected |
| 11 | Devighat | 14.0 | Directly affected (NEA) |
| 12 | NEA Solar | 25.0 | Directly affected (NEA) |
| Total | 431.1 MW | Roughly 10% of total national generation | |
Key points from NEA:
- Approximately 276 MW suffered direct physical impact.
- The Trishuli 3B Hub 220 kV substation was also damaged, contributing heavily to the widespread disconnection.
- Power supply was completely cut in Rasuwa district, with partial disruptions in Nuwakot, Dhading and surrounding areas.
Important Update: Sanjen Projects Undamaged
Sanjen Jalavidhyut Company Limited has clarified that the physical structures of both the Sanjen (42.5 MW) and Upper Sanjen (14.8 MW) projects remain intact. These plants were forced offline solely because electricity could not be evacuated due to damage to the Trishuli 3B Hub and the Chilime–Trishuli 220 kV transmission line. This is an important distinction for investors tracking the listed company.
Human and Operational Impact
Reports indicate that more than 133 hydropower employees and workers from various project sites were uncontactable in the immediate aftermath. A significant number of these were associated with the Langtang project. Several under-construction projects in the corridor also sustained damage to access roads, headworks, and other civil structures, though these are not included in the 431.1 MW offline figure.
Broader Context for Nepal’s Power Sector
Most projects in this corridor are run-of-river (RoR) or small-pondage schemes. Such plants are highly exposed to sudden debris-laden floods like the recent event and also suffer sharp drops in generation during the dry and winter seasons. The incident once again highlights the vulnerability of the Trishuli basin's concentrated hydropower infrastructure to glacial and high-altitude hazards. NEA has stated that technical teams are working to restore supply as quickly as possible. Full damage assessments for individual projects are still underway.
Sources & References
- Nepal Electricity Authority urgent notice (10 Bhadra 2083)
- Sanjen Jalavidhyut Company Limited clarification (27 August 2026)
- Contemporary reports from Ratopati, B360, and other outlets
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