KATHMANDU: As the main substation at Duhabi in Sunsari has been inundated following incessant rainfall since Monday, power supply to Morang, Sunsari, Jhapa, Ilam, Panchthar, Taplejung, Dhankuta, Terhathum, Sankhuwasabha, Bhojpur and other districts of Province 1 has been cut off since Tuesday evening.

Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) Executive Director Kulman Ghising said that the power supply line has been cut off after the substation was submerged.

“The power supply line has been cut off after the substation was submerged due to floods, which has led to blackouts in the districts of Province No. 1,” he said. “The control room of the substation has also been submerged. So far, damage to the main equipment has not been reported. However, if the water does not recede, the equipment is likely to be severely damaged. In that case, power supply to the area may be cut off for a few days. NEA team is doing its best to restore power,” he added.

Ghising requested the local governments, administration, Nepal Army, Nepal Police and others to provide necessary assistance for draining out water from the substation.

He said that the Kabeli Corridor 132 KV transmission line was also shut down as Duhabi substation is inundated. As a result, power of about 170 MW from various hydropower projects connected to Kabeli corridor has been affected.

Heavy rain triggered floods and falling trees in various places also caused damage to the Attaria-Chamelia 132 KV transmission line and other 33 and 11 KV lines. Subsequently, power generation from 30-MW Chameliya and other hydropower projects in Darchula has also halted. Power supply to hilly districts including Dadeldhura, Baitadi, Bajhang and Achham in the far west has also been cut off.