IPPAN urges all hydropower projects to stay alert for next 3 days due to heavy rain forecast

The Independent Power Producers’ Association of Nepal (IPPAN) has requested all hydropower projects across the country to stay on high alert for the next three days (Shrawan 3 to 5) July 20-22 due to a forecast of heavy rainfall that could cause rivers to cross danger levels.

According to a notice issued by IPPAN, the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has warned of intense rain across Nepal, especially starting the evening of Shrawan 3 (July 20). Based on this, IPPAN has urged all operating and under-construction hydropower projects to take precautionary measures to minimize potential risks.

“Under the agreement between IPPAN and the Department, we are regularly sharing flood early warnings with each other. The department has predicted heavy rainfall in eastern Nepal from the evening of Shrawan 3 to the morning of Shrawan 4 (July 21),” the statement reads.

The rivers at high flood risk include Koshi, Tamor, Arun, Tamakoshi, Dudhkoshi, and Kankai. The Koshi River is expected to reach or cross its alert level. The weather system is forecasted to gradually move westward, bringing heavy rain to central and western Nepal, including the Bagmati River, which may flood Kathmandu and nearby low-lying areas by the evening of Shrawan 4 (July 21).

By Shrawan 5 afternoon, flood risks are expected to rise in Mahakali River and nearby regions. The Narayani river basin, including districts like Baglung, Myagdi, Parbat, Syangja, Palpa, Nawalparasi, and Rupandehi, may also be impacted.

In the west, the Rapti and Babai regions are expected to face moderate impacts, while the Mahakali area requires high alert from Shrawan 4 (July 21) evening to Shrawan 5 (July 22) midday.

IPPAN has reminded all hydropower developers—both in operation and under construction—to prepare in advance to reduce possible human and physical losses from floods and landslides.

The warning also refers to the devastating flood in Bhotekoshi on Asar 24 (July 8), which caused serious damage to over half a dozen hydropower projects in Rasuwa and Nuwakot. In past years, such disasters have also claimed lives of workers and forced hydropower projects to shut down for years due to physical destruction.

IPPAN has called for strong preparedness to avoid repeating such tragedies.