KATHMANDU: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Birajbhakta Shrestha said that search operations are underway for individuals missing in hydropower project tunnels following the Bhotekoshi flood.
Addressing a session of the House of Representatives, the minister stated that the search is being conducted in coordination with the Nepal Army and foreign experts.
A total of 900 people remain missing following the flood. Minister Shrestha reported that 11 hydropower projects have been forced to shut down. Regarding the Upper Trishuli-1 Hydropower Project, he noted that 955 out of 1,433 employees have been safely rescued.
Preliminary assessments indicate that Rs 390.62 billion is required for the restoration of the energy sector. The minister further announced that the government has decided to provide an immediate relief of Rs 500,000 to the families of missing Nepal Electricity Authority employees, along with 50 percent of their monthly salary for six months.
