Floods destroy settlements and damage energy facilities in Nepal’s Trishuli Valley — NDTV World
In Nepal’s Trishuli River Valley, floods have destroyed or critically damaged numerous hydropower facilities. During an aerial survey of the area from Bidur to Rasuwagadhi, journalists saw vast stretches of mud where residential homes, shops, roads, bridges and other infrastructure had stood.
As NDTV World reports, Bidur has become one of the centres of helicopter operations in the affected region. According to journalists’ observations, at least six helicopters were taking off and landing there simultaneously. Separate routes are in place for travel through the narrow valley: helicopters flying north keep to the left side of the valley, while those heading south keep to the right.
Search operation in a tunnel
One of the hardest-hit facilities was the Trishuli 3A hydropower project, where a search operation is underway in a tunnel. Rescuers are trying to reach the underground structures to find possible survivors. A geotechnical expert told journalists that it has not yet been possible to advance to the blocked sections; mud is being cleared with an excavator.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
More than a dozen run-of-river hydropower projects are located in the Trishuli Valley. According to the report, nearly all of them were destroyed or suffered critical damage, significantly reducing Nepal’s electricity supply.
Settlements covered in mud
Near Betrawati, Dharapani, Ghumti Bazar, Ramche, Dhunche and Timure, the flood changed the landscape along the river. In many places where settlements stood just a week ago, journalists saw no visible remains of buildings or foundations—only vast muddy plains.
The NDTV World team also documented extensive destruction near the Rasuwagadhi border point close to China. According to the outlet, the deaths of hundreds of people have been confirmed, while thousands are considered missing. The search for bodies buried under thick layers of mud could last weeks or months.
