The Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (MoENR) would like to inform the general public that, following the incessant rainfall and flash floods experienced across the country on 4-5 October 2025, the Ministry is undertaking an assessment of all major hydropower projects to ensure the safety of infrastructure, personnel, and nearby communities.
Initial reports indicate that the intense rainfall resulted in localized flooding and landslides in certain hydropower project areas. While there have been temporary disruptions in access roads and power generation activities at a few sites, no major structural damage to hydropower dams or powerhouses has been reported till now.
The status of hydropower plants is summarized as follows:
1. Tala Hydropower Project: Unprecedented rainfall in western Bhutan caused Wangchhu river inflows to surge from less than 200 cumecs at 4 AM to about 1,260 cumecs at Tala dam by 11 AM on 5 October, leading to dam overtopping around 7 AM when two of the four radial gates were partially opened and Tala powerhouse was operating at 1020 MW +10%. No casualties have been reported as staff were safely evacuated, and restoration efforts are underway but will only be possible once river flows recede. At the moment, the plant is under operation with one unit under rectification maintenance.
2. Mangdechhu Hydropower Project: Under operation with careful monitoring.
3. Nikachhu Hydropower Project: Minor road blockages have been reported on the access route. No damage to the dam or power facilities.
4. Basohhu Hydropower Project: Under operation with careful monitoring.
5. Suchhu Hydropower Project: Under shutdown due to failure of the transmission line.
6. Dagachhu Hydropower Project: Under shutdown as a precautionary measure.
7. Kurichhu Hydropower Project: Under operation with careful monitoring.
8. Punatsangchhu-II Hydropower Project: Under shutdown as a precautionary measure.
9. Chhukha Hydropower Project: Under shutdown as a precautionary measure.
10. Punatsangchhu-I, Khorlochhu and other projects under construction: Site personnel have been accounted for and no injuries reported, and no major structural damage reported. Projects are on high alert to monitor and assess the developing situation.
Power supply in many areas has been affected, and Bhutan Power Corporation Limited is working to restore and rectify the supply wherever access and other related challenges do not hinder the efforts.
The Ministry is closely coordinating with the Druk Green Power Corporation Limited, Bhutan Power Corporation Limited, hydropower plants, NCHM and Bhutan Power System Operator to monitor river conditions, grid operation and respond swiftly to any emerging risks.
Emergency Preparedness Protocols (Action Plan) have been activated across all project sites to ensure the continued safety of workers and surrounding communities. Technical teams are on high alert to assess post-rainfall conditions and carry out any necessary maintenance or safety reinforcement.
The Ministry would like to reassure the public that Bhutan’s hydropower infrastructure remains safe and secure. Those plants under shutdown are for precautionary measures to prevent any untoward incidents. Continuous monitoring and safety measures are in place to protect the public and safeguard the nation’s critical energy assets.
Further updates will be shared as assessments of the evolving situations at the project sites progress.
