Floods damage water systems in Rasuwa and Nuwakot, leaving thousands without drinking water

Flood damage has cut drinking-water supplies for more than 5,500 households served by a project in Battar Bazaar, in Nepal’s Nuwakot district.

The Aug. 26 floods damaged water systems across Nuwakot and Rasuwa, but government agencies have not yet established how many systems were affected or how many people lost access to drinking water. Kamal Raj Shrestha, director general of the Department of Water Supply and Sewerage Management, said the Battar Bazaar project suffered the greatest damage.

The system carried water from Betrawati along a road to Battar Bazaar. Flooding damaged the road and the project’s structures, leaving a large population without its normal supply. Riverbank settlements also lost water infrastructure, while the destruction of roads and bridges has made distribution difficult.

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This water supply system was brought to Battar Bazaar from Betrawati along the road. Along with the road, all the structures of the project have also been damaged.

Electricity problems have compounded the disruption. Low voltage in the two districts has prevented authorities from operating pumps that draw water from borewells. The department brought generators from Kathmandu and began an alternative pumping arrangement. A system capable of pumping 23 litres per second started operating with a 100-kilovolt-ampere generator.

Authorities are also sending drinking water to shelters through Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani Limited and private tankers, including deliveries to Rahul Dhara. Providing clean water and toilets for flood victims in shelters remains a major challenge. The department is assessing damage and prioritizing restoration in Rasuwa, while noting that the destruction of roads and bridges is hindering relief distribution.

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The immediate impact has been on the water supply to Battar Bazaar.