Flood in Central Nepal Undermines Hydro Infrastructure Ahead of Export Ambitions

Central Nepal experienced a rapid flood in the Budhi Gandaki River that hit the villages of Dobhan, Ghatekhola, Jagat and Salleri on Sunday. The Independent Power Producers Association of Nepal confirmed that four hydro projects – with a total capacity of 412.09 MW – were hit hard. The 341 MW Budhi Gandaki project’s main camp was flooded, and construction equipment was carried away by the water. The 24.5 MW Dobhan Khola project saw damage to camp houses and the loss of a Bailey bridge. The 30.59 MW Yaru Khola project’s temporary bridge and building material were swept away, and the 16 MW Machha Khola project lost its access road and bridge. The damage comes at a time when Nepal is positioning itself as a regional clean‑energy exporter, exposing how vulnerable its growing renewable‑energy assets are to monsoon‑driven floods, landslides and other climate shocks.