KATHMANDU: Ncell has restored 14 mobile sites in Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading, helping restore communication services in areas hit by floods and landslides. The company said its technical teams have been working around the clock to reconnect affected communities and support search, rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts.

Of the 27 mobile sites affected across the three districts, three sites in Rasuwa, eight in Nuwakot and three in Dhading have been brought back into operation.

The disruptions were caused by damage to fiber links spanning approximately 70 to 80 kilometers in the affected areas. Ncell said its technical teams have been working continuously to restore services and maintain telecommunications connectivity for customers as well as teams involved in emergency response operations.

“Wherever possible, we have repaired damaged fiber links to restore the affected sites. In some locations, we have used existing microwave links to bring the network back into operation, while in certain areas we have also coordinated with internet service providers to restore fiber connectivity,” said Lena Keshari Kansakar, Head of Network at Ncell.

Ncell said it mobilized technical teams through both air and land routes to reach areas where network services had been disrupted. With support and coordination from government agencies, the teams were able to access affected locations and carry out repair and restoration works.

Meanwhile, an additional 18 sites were temporarily affected today after a fiber cable was cut at around 12:47 p.m. while flood debris was being cleared in the Galchhi area of Dhading. Ncell said its technical teams were immediately deployed and successfully restored all 18 sites.

The company said maintaining uninterrupted telecommunications services during disasters is critical for effective search and rescue operations, relief distribution and coordination among affected communities and response teams.

Ncell said it has given high priority to restoring network services so that people in affected areas can remain connected with their families and loved ones and coordinate with teams involved in rescue and relief operations.

The company expressed its appreciation to the Nepal Telecommunications Authority, relevant information and communications authorities, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Nepali Army and other government agencies for their support and coordination during the restoration efforts. Ncell also thanked technology partners including Huawei and ZTE for their assistance.

Ncell reiterated its commitment to supporting affected communities during the ongoing disaster by mobilizing its network and technical resources as needed and making telecommunications services available as continuously as possible.