India Approves 18-Hour Power Supply To Nepal As Flood Death Toll Crosses 1,300

India has approved the export of up to 654 MW of electricity to Nepal for 18 hours a day after devastating floods damaged hydropower infrastructure and sharply reduced the country’s domestic generation capacity.

The Ministry of Power said the electricity will be supplied to the Nepal Electricity Authority from September 13 to December 31, 2026, between midnight and 6 pm every day. Up to 600 MW will be supplied through the Muzaffarpur Dhalkebar 400 kV transmission line, while another 54 MW can be supplied through the Tanakpur Mahendranagar 132 kV line. The amount to be exported from January 2027 will be reviewed in December.

The decision came after Kathmandu sought advance approval for additional imports as the floods damaged several hydropower projects and created an urgent power shortfall. More than 12 hydropower plants were swept away or badly damaged, disrupting Nepal’s electricity generation and forcing the country to rely more heavily on imports from India.

The disaster has also disrupted Nepal’s traditional energy trade with India. Nepal normally produces surplus hydropower during the summer and exports electricity, while importing more power from India during the winter when domestic generation declines. In fiscal year 2025 26, India imported 3,299 million units from Nepal and exported 1,451 million units to the country.

The floods began on August 26 after a glacial collapse triggered massive flooding and debris flows along the Nepal China border. The disaster devastated settlements and infrastructure and left thousands missing.

The latest figures reported on September 15 put Nepal’s confirmed death toll at 1,386, while more than 5,130 people remain missing. In neighbouring Tibet, 43 people have died and 519 remain unaccounted for, according to Reuters.

Nepal is also facing enormous reconstruction needs. Officials have estimated that around $5 billion will be required for rebuilding, while search and rescue operations continue in badly affected areas.

India has separately sent more than 130 tonnes of relief material to Nepal through eight special flights since August 26. Nepal’s Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle is also expected to visit New Delhi to discuss post flood reconstruction and greater economic cooperation.

The Ministry of Power said the electricity arrangement will help Nepal meet its immediate requirements while further strengthening the longstanding India Nepal energy partnership.