India Approves 18-Hour Power Supply to Flood-Hit Nepal Amid Massive Humanitarian Crisis
India has approved the export of up to 654 MW of electricity to Nepal for 18 hours a day until December 31, 2026, providing crucial support to the neighbouring country after devastating floods severely damaged its power infrastructure. The decision comes as Nepal continues to deal with the aftermath of a catastrophic glacier collapse that triggered flash floods and landslides across several areas.
The emergency electricity arrangement is aimed at helping Nepal maintain essential services and meet domestic power requirements while damaged hydropower projects are gradually restored. India’s Ministry of Power said the move would help Nepal during the difficult period while further strengthening the longstanding energy partnership between the two countries.
Floods Cause Extensive Damage to Nepal’s Power Sector
The disaster has caused enormous destruction across Nepal, with hydropower infrastructure among the worst affected. More than 12 hydropower plants were swept away or severely damaged, disrupting a sector that supplies almost all of Nepal’s electricity. The damage has also affected roads, bridges, homes and important trade routes.
The latest figures indicate that at least 1,386 people have died in Nepal, while more than 5,000 people remain missing. Around 900 power-sector workers are also among those reported missing, highlighting the extraordinary human and economic impact of the disaster.
The destruction of power infrastructure has forced Nepal to shift from being an electricity exporter to seeking additional power imports. Before the floods, Nepal had been expanding its hydropower exports to India, particularly during periods when domestic generation exceeded local demand.
Up to 654 MW to Be Supplied Through Cross-Border Grid
The approved arrangement will allow Nepal to receive up to 654 MW of electricity for 18 hours every day. The emergency supply is expected to help stabilise the country’s electricity system as reconstruction efforts continue.
The electricity will be transmitted through existing cross-border infrastructure linking the power systems of India and Nepal. These connections have become increasingly important as both countries expand electricity trade and develop new transmission corridors. India’s Ministry of Power has previously highlighted projects designed to increase cross-border transmission capacity and improve regional energy security.
The quantity of electricity to be supplied from January 2027 will be reviewed in December, allowing the arrangement to be adjusted according to Nepal’s recovery and electricity requirements.
India-Nepal Energy Cooperation
India and Nepal have built a growing partnership in the electricity sector, with power flowing in both directions depending on seasonal generation and demand. Nepal has significant hydropower potential, while India provides access to a much larger electricity market and an increasingly interconnected transmission network.
A long-term agreement signed in January 2024 envisaged Nepal exporting 10,000 MW of hydropower to India over the following decade. India’s Ministry of Power has also documented plans for additional 400-kV transmission links between the two countries, which are expected to strengthen grid connectivity and enable greater electricity trade.
The current emergency supply demonstrates the practical importance of these connections. Infrastructure built for long-term energy cooperation is now providing an important lifeline as Nepal works to restore its damaged generation capacity.
Disaster Highlights Growing Climate Risks in the Himalayas
The catastrophe has also renewed attention on the vulnerability of Himalayan communities to glacier-related disasters. The August 2026 event sent enormous quantities of water, mud and debris through downstream valleys, destroying infrastructure and leaving communities struggling to recover.
A recent study has warned that accelerating glacier loss across the Hindu Kush-Himalaya region could create increasing risks for water security and communities across South Asia. The region contains thousands of glaciers and numerous potentially dangerous glacial lakes, making stronger monitoring, early-warning systems and disaster preparedness increasingly important.
Nepal Faces a Long Road to Recovery
Beyond restoring electricity, Nepal now faces the enormous task of rebuilding roads, bridges, homes, hydropower stations and other essential infrastructure. The Nepalese government has estimated that around $5 billion will be needed for the initial phase of reconstruction and has sought assistance from international institutions and partner countries.
India’s electricity support therefore comes at a critical stage. Reliable power can help maintain hospitals, communications, water systems, businesses and other essential services while the country begins the much longer process of rebuilding communities and restoring its energy infrastructure.
The MGMM Outlook
India’s decision to provide Nepal with up to 654 MW of electricity for 18 hours a day until December 31, 2026, comes at a critical time as the country struggles with extensive damage to its hydropower infrastructure following devastating floods. The emergency support can help Nepal maintain essential services, hospitals, communications and economic activity while damaged power projects are restored. It also reflects the practical value of the growing India-Nepal energy partnership, with cross-border transmission networks now helping Nepal during a severe national crisis.
The situation highlights how regional cooperation can become especially important during natural disasters. With Nepal facing a long and difficult reconstruction process, India’s electricity assistance provides immediate support while also reinforcing the broader energy relationship between the two neighbours. The disaster further underlines the need for stronger Himalayan disaster preparedness, early-warning systems and resilient infrastructure, making continued cooperation between India and Nepal important for both recovery and long-term regional resilience.
(Sources: Firstpost, The Indian Express, News On AIR)
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