Kathmandu – Continuous rainfall has triggered floods and landslides, forcing 13 hydropower projects in Ilam to suspend electricity production. The shutdown has halted the generation of about 105.4 megawatts of electricity, according to the Ministry of Energy.

The affected plants include the 4.5 MW Maikhola Hydropower, 8 MW Maikhola Cascade, 22 MW Maikhola, Jogmaikhola, Lower Jogmai, and Maiweni projects, among others. The ministry also reported that several under-construction hydropower projects in Panchthar, Ilam, and Sindhupalchok have been impacted, with production delays expected in four out of five ongoing projects.

The Independent Power Producers’ Association of Nepal (IPPAN) confirmed that 13 operating projects with a total capacity of 105.4 MW have stopped production. IPPAN further stated that five under-construction projects, with a combined capacity of 93 MW, have suffered damage due to the floods.