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This year's recent floods and landslides have taken a huge toll on the production of electricity. At least 1,100-MW hydroelectricity has been thrown out of the systems with the obstruction to its production and transmission.

The transmission line and distribution systems of hydropower projects have become complicated. The capacity of the stalled projects is estimated to be equivalent to 650 MW.

Nepal Electricity Authority (NRA) said it would be difficult to meet the demand as most of the power stations were closed in the disaster-triggered emergency.

According to preliminary reports of the Ministry of Energy, the incessant rain induced floods and landslides have damaged 36 projects having power generation capacity of 1,100 MW.

The Kabeli Corridor projects, which meet the energy demand of eastern Nepal, have been damaged in the calamitous incidents of floods and landslides. Around 200 MW of electricity has been thrown out of the systems after damages caused to three towers of the transmission line.

Similarly, a tower of Khimti Lamosanghu transmission line, which supplies electricity from the Tamakoshi Corridor to Kathmandu, has been washed away by the Tamakoshi River. Electricity worth 200 MW has gone out of the systems due to complications in the transmission line.

Khimti Dhalkebar has generated a 220 KV tower. Similarly, the tower of Bardaghat-Sardi 132 KV double circuit transmission line collapsed due to incessant rain.

According to the NEA, the tower of the transmission line collapsed with the collapse of the road at Bardaghat Municipality-5, Khursani Khola in Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta West) along the East-West Highway.

The power supply of Hongshi Shivam Cement, which is operating at Sardi in Binayi Triveni Rural Municipality of Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta East) in partnership with Chinese and Nepali investors, has been closed since Monday evening after the tower collapsed.

When a hydropower project is closed, it does not have an impact elsewhere, but when there is a problem in a tower, it has a wider impact.

Managing Director of NEA Kulman Ghising said it would be a big challenge to manage the demand due to obstruction caused to electricity supply.

Due to the damage to the access road, there is a problem in transporting construction materials. This year's flood has caused a huge toll on roads and bridges.

This also prolongs the time of the project's maintenance and construction. Electricity would not be available within the stipulated time as per the agreement with NEA.

Energy Minister Deepak Khadka said necessary decisions would be taken after holding discussions with the Ministry of Finance on reconstruction, construction of access roads and insurance. The country's energy sector has been facing a huge blow for the last few years due to floods, landslides and rains.

More than a dozen substations and other physical structures of NEA were damaged due to incessant rainfall in 2074 BS. Similarly, floods and landslides in June 2078 BS had damaged one and a half dozen projects. The 44 MW Super Madi, which is under construction in Kaski, suffered a loss of around Rs 1 billion. The floods of Modi River had washed away equipment including dam site, power house, workers' housing house, loader excavator, penstock pipe and cocker plant.

That year's flood had caused trouble in the Super Dordi hydropower project. The floods had also entered from the tailrace of Rasuwagadhi. The floods had wreaked havoc in Melamchi in the same year.

Although the hydropower projects have insurance, they have been facing problems in getting payment. Last year alone, the insurance claim payment amounted to Rs 7 billion. This year too, the liability is likely to go up.

Experts recommended improving the system and working style of pre-project studies, design and pre-construction forecasting systems to address the problems caused by floods and landslides in the energy sector.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that the distribution of relief support to the people hit hard by floods, landslides and inundation following incessant rain has already started.

At a press conference organized at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers in Singha Durbar today, he said the search and rescue of the citizens in the disaster would be completed within the next two days.

Prime Minister Oli made it clear that necessary arrangements have been put in place for free treatment to the injured and to prevent and control the public health problems that may arise after the disaster.

The government was proactive in operating basic services including water supply, roads, telephone and electricity, he claimed.

According to information shared on the occasion, so far 224 people have lost their lives, 24 are still missing and 158 have been injured due to the disaster while 4,331 people who are at high risk have been rescued and shifted to safer places.

Kavrepalanchowk, Lalitpur, Dhading, Kathmandu, Sindhupalchowk, Sindhuli and Makawanpur are among the 21 districts most affected by the disaster.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has appealed to all to help the people suffering due to floods, landslides and inundation, by considering it as the pain of the nation.

At a press conference held today at the Office of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers at Singha Durbar, Prime Minister Oli urged one and all to support the search, rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts underway across the country. "This pain is not only the government's concern, but the whole society's pain. We are all saddened by the disaster," Prime Minister Oli said.

"Damage has also occurred due to some structural shortcomings. In the future, when the structures are built it will be made as such to withstand disasters and stronger in the long-term," he noted.

On the occasion, Prime Minister Oli expressed his commitment to correct shortcomings, if any, in the rescue and search operations due to the large-scale disaster that the government had not anticipated and hence not prepared for. He emphasized that the state and the society should make maximum use of the available resources to address the current adverse situation in the country.

The Merchant Bankers Association of Nepal (MBAN) successfully held its 15th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Sept 30, in Naxal, Kathmandu, where its 6th Executive Committee was elected. The newly appointed leadership team includes Ramendra Rayamajhi from NIC Asia Capital Limited as Chairperson, Manis Narayan Joshi from Nabil Investment Bank Limited as Vice-chairperson, Nirmal Bhattarai from Garima Capital Limited as General Secretary, and Shivanth B Pande from NIMB Ace Capital Limited as Treasurer. Additionally, Sandip Karki from Siddhartha Capital Limited, Lekhnath Pokhrel from Nepal SBI Merchant Banking Limited, and Pushpa Sharma from Kumari Capital Limited were elected as committee members. 

The election process was carried out in a positive and collaborative environment, reflecting the association’s commitment to a shared vision for the future of merchant banking in Nepal. The new executive team has pledged to work on improving capital market accessibility, promoting sustainable financial practices, and strengthening relationships with regulatory bodies to foster the growth of Nepal’s financial sector.

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) gained 114. 70 points to close at 2,623.56 points on Tuesday.

Similarly, the sensitive index surged by 19.46 points to close at 470. 81 points.

A total of 17,507,555-unit shares of 307 companies were traded for Rs 7. 61 billion.

Meanwhile, Butwal Power Company Limited (BPCL), Gurkhas Finance Ltd. (GUFL), Goodwill Finance Limited, Shree Investment Finance Co. Ltd. (SIFC) and Central Finance Co. Ltd. (CFCL) were the top gainers today, with their price surging by 10. 00 percent.

Similarly, NMB 50 (NMB50) was the top loser as its price fell by 3. 86 percent.

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has said that the recent flooding and landslides caused by the monsoon rains have so far resulted in 218 deaths, the missing of 27 people, and 143 injuries. He said the government is engaged in the post-disaster response with high priority.

In a meeting of the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee, House of Representatives, today, the minister said that the government is focused on the search, rescue, and relief efforts in the wake of disasters.

Search and rescue operations are underway, he said. The distribution of relief materials to the affected is going on. The injured are being treated free of cost.  The District Disaster Management Committees are focused on the dispatch of relief materials and the rehabilitation of the survivors in an effective way.

According to the minister, a total of 4,022 people trapped in the districts were rescued with the help of the Nepal Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and volunteers.

The Kathmandu Valley and the Bagmati Province were affected the most by the rains which is said to be the most significant in the 50 years.

A total of 3,906 Nepal Army soldiers, 14,802 personnel of the Nepal Police, and 12,023 of the Armed Police Force have been mobilized for the search and rescue operations after the disasters.

The price of gold has dropped by Rs 500 per tola in the domestic market on Tuesday.

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the yellow metal is being traded at Rs 160, 000 per tola today. It was traded at Rs 160, 500 per tola on Monday.

Similarly, the price of silver has dropped by Rs 15 and is being traded at Rs 1,925 per tola today.

The international launch of Captain Rameshwar Thapa’s book Into the Fire took place in New Delhi during a special ceremony. The event, part of the 4th Delhi edition of Kitab Jatra, was graced by Acting Nepali Ambassador to India Dr Surendra Thapa, former Indian Ambassador to Nepal Manjeev Singh Puri, and renowned expert on India-Nepal relations, Ashok Mehta, along with other distinguished guests.

The ceremony also featured a panel discussion on Nepal-India relations. In his remarks, Acting Ambassador Thapa highlighted the importance of literature in understanding historical events, noting that Into the Fire sheds light on significant incidents from the past. “The study of literature is crucial, regardless of one’s profession or business,” he stated. Former Ambassador Puri praised Captain Thapa for providing valuable insights into the politics and geopolitics of Nepal, emphasizing that the book will serve as an important resource for the younger generation to understand the country’s past and present challenges. He urged the youth to read the book to gain a deeper understanding of Nepal’s complex history.

Captain Thapa explained that the book portrays Nepali society during the 10-year armed conflict, expressing confidence that the lessons learned from this period will help prevent a recurrence. He described the book as a significant document for future generations to understand the socio-political dynamics of that era. “Nepal and India share a long-standing, cordial relationship, and we must work to deepen it,” he remarked, stressing the need to enhance bilateral economic ties and cooperation.

Thapa also referenced Bal Aditya Guru, noting that the young prodigy often described Nepal and India as the land of gods. Guru, who has already published several books at the age of seven, was lauded for his contributions to the literary world, with Thapa highlighting his valuable insights into both Nepal and India’s histories.

Ashok Mehta emphasized the book's importance in understanding the Maoist conflict and its impact on Nepali society. He further advocated for continued dialogue between Nepal and India, particularly concerning the ongoing suspension of Nepali recruitment into the Indian Army, urging both governments to take action on the issue.

Atul K Thakur, Secretary of PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, praised Into the Fire for its detailed account of Nepal’s past, stating that it offers a valuable perspective on the country’s history and current situation. He underscored the importance of strengthening Nepal-India relations.

Chairperson of the Kitab Jatra Foundation, Rishi Ram Adhikari, expressed his delight at the book’s release during the fourth edition of the festival, commending Thapa for his insightful depiction of Nepali society.

Prior to the international launch, Into the Fire was released in Kathmandu in the presence of Bal Aditya Guru, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba. The book is the English translation of Thapa’s earlier work Barud Mathi Udda.